Baxter rings the changes
TOUGH: BAFANA PLAY SEYCHELLES TWICE IN THREE DAYS
Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter has made several changes to the squad that drew at home against Libya last month in a 2019 Caf Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, for the two games against the Seychelles later this month.
It remains to be seen whether the Bafana coach has learned from previous mistakes or will again be trotting out the excuses, with six points the only real option against the islanders, who Bafana face at home on October 13 and away three days later.
In have come the likes of Phakamani Mahlambi, Lebo Maboe and Thapelo Morena, though Orlando Pirates’ Xola Mlambo missed out on a call-up.
Baxter also left out players who are just coming off injuries like Bradley Grobler and Themba Zwane, while Siphesihle Ndlovu misses out because he hasn’t played much after suspension. Bongani Zungu and Keagan Dolly were the most notable omissions, but they are out with long-term injuries. Zungu also missed the Libya game.
“There have been a couple of challenges for us. I spoke to various clubs and coaches. I don’t like talking about players who didn’t make the squad but players like Brad Grobler present a problem for us. He didn’t play in the (MTN8) final at the weekend because of an on-going groin issue. He may play or come off the bench in their next game. But if I select him today and he breaks down in that game there will be questions.
“We think these games are so important that we will try to have players who are 100% fit. Themba Zwane is the same. I spoke to Pitso about him and he said he is now sprinting and could make the team in their next game. It is the same with Siphesihle Ndlovu who has been suspended and could be ring-rusty,” explained Baxter.
He said as part of the bigger picture – probably Vision 2022 – he had selected a few young players.
“The way we are trying to develop this squad is to bring down the average age. The squad has youthful enthusiasm. It has players who want to prove a point but also old hands who we know have good character,” he said.
Baxter also partially admitted to having blundered in his preparation for the Cape Verde games last year which cost Bafana dearly as it led to the failure to qualify for the recent World Cup in Russia.
“We are doing ourselves no favours by thinking that maybe Cape Verde are a small nation without looking at their players who play abroad. In all humility we made a mistake there.”
The one call Baxter made which didn’t seem to have much questions around was the recall of striker Dino Ndlovu who has been doing well in China where he plays for Zhejiang Greentown.