Baxter bemoans lack of consistency

“I think in most games we have still shown that when we get the balance right between efficiency and flamboyance then I think we look a good team, but the challenge we have is that we are not consistent enough,” said Baxter.

“That goes back a long way, it is not something I have been able to achieve in the 200-odd days I have been in charge. Though I can recognise we have started a journey, we do have a long way to go before we can truly be challenging for the top slots both on the continent and in the world.”

Bafana not only failed to qualify for next year’s finals in Russia, they finished rock bottom of Group D, the wooden spoon confirmed by a 2-1 loss to Senegal in Dakar on Tuesday evening.

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Baxter lost four out of five World Cup qualifiers after taking over from Shakes Mashaba two games into Bafana’s Group D campaign, results that cast serious doubt on the South African Football Association’s decision to replace the coach during a qualifying campaign.

South Africa had four points from two games when Baxter took over, though they did end up losing three of those, Fifa ordering a replay of last November’s “win” against Senegal after Ghanaian referee Joseph Lamptey was found guilty of match manipulation at Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Somehow, Baxter’s side went into the rematch against Senegal in Polokwane last Friday knowing two wins in four days over the Teranga Lions would get them to Russia. But familiar failings in attack and some catastrophic defending meant they lost both.

“I think obviously looking back, it has been a very difficult campaign,” said Baxter.

“When I came in it was last minute, and the campaign was underway. Even though the coaches before me were good coaches, everyone does things a different way, so it takes time before you can get your ideas across.

“I think the confusion surrounding the Senegal game and the replay of that didn’t help in terms of the mental part of the game, but I think most of all it has been a question of not taking our chances and turning over goals at vital times.

“Understanding what wins and loses football matches is something we have been trying very hard to get across to the players. We need to become more steely and difficult to beat without relinquishing the type of football we know we can play in South Africa.”

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