Baxter wants 'warriors' for Nigeria tie
Last updated on .From the section Football
New South Africa coach Stuart Baxter did not spring any surprises when he named his first squad in Johannesburg on Thursday.
The Englishman, appointed earlier this month, said that he was looking for "warriors" for next month's opening Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Nigeria.
Baxter named 25 players for the match in Uyo on 10 June - a tough start for Bafana Bafana in their bid to qualify for the 2019 finals in Cameroon after missing out on this year's tournament in Gabon.
Baxter picked only two players from his own club SuperSport United, who he leaves on June 24.
He is juggling both jobs at the moment, missing on the club's trip to Gabon for their African Confederation Cup assignment on Tuesday so he could concentrate on picking the Bafana Bafana squad.
There are six Europe-based players, including recalls for stylish midfielder Bongani Zungu, who is set to play in the Portuguese Cup final on Sunday for Vitoria Guimaraes, and striker Tokelo Rantie, who scored twice in Uyo in November 2014.
"We have players who have been outstanding in the Premier Soccer League the whole season, and we also have continuity with a number of players that Safa has invested much time in. I believe we have a good mix," said Baxter, who is back as coach for a second time.
He added: "We have also looked at aerial strength and tried to spread that well throughout the team; it means if we can have good preparation before we go, then we have a squad that is capable of giving Nigeria a good game."
South Africa have never beaten the Super Eagles in a competitive international but in the 2015 Nations Cup qualifiers gave away a two-goal lead in a 2-2 draw.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Darren Keet (Bidvest Wits), Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs), Ronwen Williams (SuperSport United)
Defenders: Rivaldo Coetzee (Ajax Cape Town), Lorenzo Gordinho (Kaizer Chiefs), Sifiso Hlanti, Thulani Hlatshwayo (both Bidvest Wits), Tebego Langerman (Mamelodi Sundowns), Mulomowandau Mathoho (Kaizer Chiefs), Abubakar Mobara (Orlando Pirates), Ramahlwe Mphahlele (Kaizer Chiefs)
Midfielders: Keegan Dolly (Montpellier, France), Dean Furman (SuperSport United), Andile Jali (Oostende, Belgium), Hlompho Kekana (Mamelodi Sundowns), Kamohelo Mokotjo (Twente Enschede, Netherlands), Aubrey Ngoma (Cape Town City), Bongani Zungu (Vitoria Guimaraes, Portugal), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Forwards: Kermit Erasmus (Racing Lens, France), Thamsanqa Gabuza (Orlando Pirates), Lebogang Manyama (Cape Town City), Tokelo Rantie (Genclerbirligi, Turkey), Percy Tau, Sibusiso Vilakazi (both Mamelodi Sundowns).
