Baxter on mission to help Bafana’s cause

Sy Lerman

First things first – but Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter will be seeking talent for the national squad and studying forthcoming opponents in the World Cup during an excursion to Europe during the off-season.

“The Cosafa Cup, which gets underway late in May, is the immediate priority,” said the Bafana coach, “with the main objective of this tournament for us a search for future talent in view of the fact that it is not on official Fifa event and securing the release of players will not be easy”

And it is on a trip to Europe soon after the Cosafa Cup that Baxter has set himself two important missions.

He will catch up on the recent form and potential of a number of South African-eligible players performing overseas, with Eng- lish Premier League club Bournmouth’s Andrew Surman among his targets.

“We know he announced a couple of years ago that he did not see playing for Bafana as being in his plans,” said Baxter. “But as time passes, one’s priority changes.

“At any rate,” added the Bafana coach, “I’ve made it known that the door is open and his experience could be a valuable asset in our squad’s midfield.”

Surman was born in Johannesburg and has enjoyed a varied career with English clubs during the past decade, currently enjoying a successful period in England’s Premiership with burgeoning Bournmouth.

Baxter’s other task during his overseas trip will be to study the African teams who will be participating in the World Cup and loom as potential opponents should Bafana qualify for Caf’s Africa Cup of Nations.