Changes to Bafana defence
2005-07-12 21:52
Billy Cooper
Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter will be forced to reshuffle his defence ahead of
Wednesday's final Group C match against Guatemala in Houston, Texas (01:45 Thursday in SA)
Baxter has three defenders, Phil Evans (calf), Lucas Thwala (thigh) and Lucky Lekgwathi on the
injury list.
Another defender, Siboniso Gaxa, is suspended after getting a red card in the 3-3 draw against
Jamaica at the weekend.
Said Baxter: "None of the injuries are serious but I do not want to risk further injury to any of
the players. We need to be at full strength for our quarter-final at the weekend."
Baxter says he would like to beat bottom team Guatamala to finish top of the group.
He explained: "We have qualified for the quarter-finals and hope for a good draw.
"I want to avoid the United States who look in great form on home soil.
"Winning the group would mean we would play one of the teams who finished third or
second in their group and avoid playing another group winner."
Tons of confidence
When asked if his youngsters could go all the way and win the Gold Cup, Baxter said: "A lot
depends on who we meet in the last 8. If we get into the semis anything can happen.
"There is tons of confidence at present. The 2-1 win over Mexico has lifted spirits in the
camp. I have been happy with their attitude and performances so far. But we cannot get carried
away. My message to the players who take the field against Guatamala is to finish the job by
keeping their feet on the ground," Baxter said.
Guatamala have lost both matches but will be wanting to end their tournament on a high
note.
"There are no easy international games," warned Baxter.
SuperSport United goalkeeper Calvin Marlin is available after missing the match against
Jamaica. He was replaced by Orlando Pirates reserve keeper Thabang Radebe who had an
excellent match in the 3-3 draw against Jamaica.
Baxter may decide to keep the Buccaneer and rest Marlin for the quarter-finals.
Baxter explained that he had to pull Marlin out from the Jamaica game because of bad
headaches.
Craig Bianchi, who has come on as a substitute in both matches, and uncapped Moroka
Swallows defender Peter Petersen are set to play against the central Americans.
But the two big stars, strikers Siyabonga Nomvete and Lungisani Ndlela, will again lead the
attack.
- Daily Sun