Clubs set to scout Cosafa Cup talent
Baxter has one eye on Olympics
Local clubs are expected to once again come out in their numbers to scout for top talent at the Cosafa Cup in Limpopo next month.
The northernmost province will roll out the red carpet for the 18th edition of the southern region tournament from May 27 to June 9.
Zambian striker Justin Shonga caught the attention of many suitors after his performances in last year’s competition before signing with Orlando Pirates.
Zimbabwe will be out to defend their title after their win last year at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Complex.
The tournament kick-starts at the quarterfinal stage at Peter Mokaba Stadium.
SA are set face the winners of Group A, while Zimbabwe will play the Group B winners in the quarterfinal.
Bafana coach Stuart Baxter, meanwhile, is keeping his fingers crossed that there are no club versus country tensions when he announces the squad to take part in the tournament.
Baxter also clarified that the Cosafa Cup will be for players who will be playing in the Olympic qualifiers because they want to give them exposure and international experience.
“This time the strategy must be clear, that we must pick the best possible team we can while at the same time investing time in younger players that we feel will go on and play in the Olympics or for Bafana Bafana‚” he said.
“I have been around the country in the spirit of partnership where I have spoken to coaches and the clubs to discuss this issue. There must be some sort of partnership and we are going to need patience and understanding from the clubs.” – additional reporting by Mahlatse Mphahlele