Hlatshwayo ‘ideal choice’ for captain
Thulani’s peers laud Baxter for decision
People who have worked with Thulani Hlatshwayo have wonderful things to say about him, and most agree he is the ideal man to captain Bafana Bafana.
Hlatshwayo was named skipper by new Bafana coach Stuart Baxter yesterday, ahead of the team’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria in Uyo on Saturday (4pm). Baxter confirmed he would not rotate the captaincy.
Hlatshwayo has just led Bidvest Wits to their first-ever league title, finishing the season as arguably their best player. Off the field, Hlatshwayo is a true professional. He is not the type to appear in the media for the wrong reasons, and most importantly, he’s the type of player any coach would want to take to war.
His former team-mate at Ajax Cape Town, Nathan Paulse, spoke of how Hlatshwayo’s professionalism from a young age had brought him this far.
“He has all attributes to be a captain. He conducts himself well on and off the field.
“He is a good example for everyone. I am happy for him,” Paulse said.
Hlatshwayo’s club teammate and a former Bafana player, Dillon Sheppard, said he was the obvious choice.
“He is a true leader on and off the field. He’s a true gentleman. His good performances are one of the reasons we were solid at the back. To lead the national team requires huge character and he fits this position. I think Stuart has made a great choice.”
Said Baxter of his choice: “I obviously see him as being a good captain. He’s got all the qualities you want from your captain. He is playing regularly for his club. He is a strong character in the dressing room, leads by example and he is a centre back.
“[Central defenders] They are in the thick of things and are driving forces. There won’t be rotating of captains.”