CALM AFTER STORM
BAXTER: CAMP CHAOS PAR FOR THE COURSE IN MZANSI
Khune looks likely to play despite his fractured facial bone.
Jonty Mark
Stuart Baxter has played down the chaotic build up to tonight’s mustwin 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Senegal, and believes his side will be focused on the job when the whistle blows at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
Thulani Serero’s much-maligned decision not to honour his call-up, combined with a string of injuries and suspensions, has made preparations for a massive game against star-studded opponents far from ideal. Baxter, however, says he has come to believe weeks like this are pretty much the norm in an international week in South Africa.
“If you think about the country we live in, is there any other camp more than a drama-filled camp?” said Baxter yesterday.
“People enjoy that. You guys (the media) like it because you have something to write about, the fans like it, sitting in the shebeens they have something to argue about, in some masochistic way I think even the players enjoy it! Maybe they think they have to go through this before they can settle and get their minds straight. The only person who doesn’t like it is me, sitting there like a pregnant lady about to give birth! I think the players have got used to it, we battle through the challenges and the only thing you can do is make sure you have a basic focus and a basic attitude of keeping your mind on the job.”
On the injury front, it seems that captain Thulani Hlatshwayo, with a toe problem, has overtaken goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune as the major injury doubt in camp for the Senegal game.
“Tyson looks like he is going to struggle for this one. We are not going to take any chances, we need to be sure we are not going to have a player come off after five minutes, so we are doubtful at this point that Tyson can take part,” said Baxter.
There was a better forecast for Khune, who seemed to be out after fracturing a bone in his face playing for Kaizer Chiefs, but now could play wearing a protective mask.
“With Itu we are more hopeful,” said Baxter. “He trained yesterday with us all morning without any sort of diving around – it was about hand-eye coordination and a few visual exercises. In the afternoon he was between the sticks and did a few shooting drills and felt quite good.
“He wore a mask and we will be adjusting it slightly to try and make it better for him. If we are not sure Itu is comfortable enough to give a performance we will not risk him … there will be a last-minute fitness test and discussion.”