Baxter will be spoilt for choice for ‘Boys’

Bafana coach to reveal ‘warriors’ for Super Eagles clash

TODAY Stuart Baxter will name the “warriors” that he will take to Nigeria for his first match back in charge of Bafana Bafana.

Bafana take on the Super Eagles in a crucial Afcon qualifier on June 10 away. And if his sentiments are anything to go by when he spoke to the media after the SuperSport United 4-2 Nedbank Cup semifinal penalty victory over Chippa United, the Briton will not make too many changes from the last game.

He said he wants “warriors” for the Nigeria game.

We look at some of the players that will probably be named in the squad. Itumeleng Khune will definitely be in the team and might even be given the armband. Baxter does not need to justify why he will pick Mzansi’s finest. The young and talented Ronwen Williams and Darren Keet will likely be named as the other two goalkeepers in the squad.

Baxter is spoilt for options at right-back as Ramahlwe Mphahlele and Thapelo Morena have been in scintillating form for Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns. The leadership qualities of Mphahlele is another thing that sets him above the rest in the country.

No one better fits the “warrior” tag than the Bidvest Wits captain, Thulani “Tyson” Hlatshwayo whose physicality will definitely be crucial against the big in physique Nigerians. Tyson will likely pair with Eric Mathoho in the heart of defence while Tebogo Langerman and Mphahlele are favourites for the left- and right-back positions.

Chippa versatile player Paseka Mako, who some people believe should be played in midfield than at left-back, could also be given his first Bafana cap.

The midfield will arguably be where the game will be won, so Bafana will need to dominate. Luckily for Baxter, he is not short of hard-tackling players in midfield. Dean Furman, Hlompho Kekana, Andile Jali will add the necessary bite in the middle of the park.

Bongani Zungu, May Mahlangu and Lebohang Maboe have been knocking on the Bafana door for quite some time now and they just might be named in the squad.

Their creative juices alongside the highly-rated Thulani Serero, Keagan Dolly and Kamohelo Mokotjo might be key in Bafana upsetting the Super Eagles at home.

Another player that had it not been for his age would have been recalled, is Siphiwe Tshabalala, who seems to be ageing well like wine.

Because of the big Nigerians, Baxter will need to have strikers that will not be easily bullied off the ball. On the other hand, the pace and skill of the South Africans might be the deciding factor.

Lebohang Manyama, Percy Tau, Kermit Erasmus, Lars Weldwijk will probably be in the team. The pace of Thuso Phala will also be needed. Should he be called up, which is unlikely, the SuperSport man will easily get behind the defence and play in crosses.

Whichever starting XI that Baxter will eventually go with, he is spoilt for choice as he has inherited a team on the rise. The probable Bafana team is: Goalkeepers: Itumeleng Khune, Rownwen Williams and Darren Keet.

Defenders: Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Thapelo Morena, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Eric Mathoho, Tebogo Langerman, Rivaldo Coetzee, Paseka Mako.

Midfielders: Hlompho Kekana, Tiyani Mabunda, Andile Jali, Dean Furman, Kamohelo Mokotjo, May Mahlangu, Themba Zwane, Bongani Zungu, Keagan Dolly, Thulani Serero, Lebohang Maboe.

Strikers: Lebohang Manyama, Percy Tau, Lars Weldwijk, Kermit Erasmus.