Baxter taking no chances
2005-03-23 21:23
Billy Cooper
Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter is taking no chances and will
field his strongest side against Uganda in Saturday's World Cup qualifier at the FNB
Stadium (16:00).
Baxter said on Wednesday: "This is not the time or place for experimenting. I will
be fielding my experienced players and the players who I believe will get the job done and get us the three points."
However, the confident sounding national coach added: "I will be positive and look for goals. I
may consider using Delron Buckley as a third striker." The morale in the camp is sky high.
Baxter looked pleased after Wednesday's training session despite the pouring rain.
"We will not be taking any chances until we have the three points secured. If I feel we have
the game in the bag then I may bring on some fresh legs. But I have confidence that the starting
11 will produce the goods," Baxter said.
Benni McCarthy, who arrived on Wednesday and leading goalscorer Shaun Bartlett will lead the
attack with Sandile Ndlovu and Katlego Mphela on the bench.
The defence picks itself. Ajax Amsterdam's Hans Vonk in goal with Kaizer Chiefs Cyril Nzama
at right back and German-based Bradley Carnell at left back. Skipper Aaron Mokoena and
Greek-based Nasief Morris will be the two central defenders.
In midfield Buckley will be urged to play a more attacking role if he is not included in the
attack. Steven Pienaar, Vonk's club-mate, Quinton Fortune of Manchester United and Orlando
Pirates' Benedict Vilakazi will complete the engine room.
Baxter said that he was determined to
secure the win and hoped to score a lot of goals but stressed: "The first priority is to get the
the three points and then go about getting more goals. It is vital we win our three remaining
home games in order to qualify for the World Cup in Germany next year."
- Daily Sun