Coach of the senior national team of South Africa Stuart Baxter has explained the reason behind the axing of some players in the line up he released for the clash against South Africa.
Baxter starting line up caused stir in his homeland with most people questioning his decision to leave some players out in a clash viewed by many as very vital to their aspirations of qualifying for the 2019 AFCON in Cameroon.
The coach who released the line up explained some decisions were injury enforced while some were made for the better of the team due to the strength of their opponent.
“I toyed around with the idea of picking Kermit Erasmus alongside Rantie, but he is injured and didn’t recover from that stomach bug (as well) before we left South Africa,” Baxter explained.
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“I also thought about a three-man defensive midfield just to be a bit cautious, but I have gone with two in Bongani Zungu and Dean Furman.
“I have left Gabuza out of the side because of the way Nigeria plays.”
Line up
Itumeleng Khune
Ramahlwe Mphahlele
Tebogo Langerman
Mulomowandau Mathoho
Thulani Hlatshwayo (captain)
Dean Furman
Bongani Zungu
Themba Zwane
Keagan Dolly
Sibusiso Vilakazi
Tokelo Rantie.
