Baxter calls for strong mental approach
BAFANA Bafana coach Stuart Baxter says if they reproduce the same approach and mentality in the Fifa World Cup qualifier against Cape Verde on Friday the way they displayed against Nigeria recently, there is no reason why South Africa cannot come back with a positive result.
South Africa take on Cape Verde on Friday night before meeting the same side at Moses Mabhida Stadium on September 5 in which, if South Africa manage to garner all six points, will put them in commanding position for a place in Russia next year.
“On paper, we are supposed to beat Cape Verde easily, but I will be honest with you, this match won’t be that easy. I, however, believe if we have the right approach, we should come back with all three points,” said Baxter.
The Bafana coach, who announced that Supersport United defender Clayton Daniels had replaced injured Rivaldo Coetzee, said he had gone for the tough-tackling Daniels because the imposing defender was strong and experienced.
“I wanted someone who would hit the ground running. We are going to Cape Verde not to experiment but for a result. We need two good results in these two games and that is of paramount importance.”
The coach said the Islanders had nothing to lose in the two games apart from spoiling the party.
“They have absolutely nothing to lose but that is a side that can cause a lot of harm; they can be dangerous because they will play with freedom.
“But I honestly believe if we put all in this game, we should win.”
Bafana will have three training sessions in Cape Verde and Baxter said although the surface in the Atlantic Ocean Is- land was not the best, the most important thing was for the players to gel quickly.
Baxter said midfielder Thulani Serero was said to be carrying a hamstring injury by his Dutch club
SBV Vitesse, but the Bafana medical team needed to asses him to see the extent of that injury.
“If the injury needs a few days rest, he will miss the away game and will then most probably play in the second one in Durban,” he said.
Meanwhile, defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele said Bafana were in a very good position to qualify for Russia 2018 and must take complete control of their destiny by winning the two games against Cape Verde.
“We need to consolidate our position by winning the two matches. It has been long since South Africa last qualified for the Fifa World Cup and this is one good opportunity we shouldn’t throw away,” said the defender
Meanwhile, Bafana rounded off their single training session in Soweto yesterday afternoon which was attended by all local-based players.
The proceedings yesterday were presided over by Baxter and his technical staff consisting of goalkeeper coach Andre Arendse and assistant coaches Thabo Senong and Quinton Fortune.
Former Bafana Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena will travel with the team as part of the management staff.
He will be working closely with team manager Barney Kujane. – ANA