Baxter explains Erasmus’ omission from Bafana squad
Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter has defended his decision not to including striker Kermit Erasmus from his squad to face Libya later this month.
Thulani Serero, Lars Veldwijk, Kermit Erasmus and Kamohelo Mokotjo during the International friendly match between South Africa and Angola at Buffalo City Stadium on March 28, 2017 in East London, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)
Baxter excluded the in-form Cape Town City striker from his 24-man squad that will play Libya in Tunisia on March 24.
The English coach told the media on Monday that he spoke to Erasmus and Cape Town City coach Benni McCarthy about having the striker in the squad, but believes it is not the right time to give the striker a recall.
“I’ve been in touch with Kermit and had a conversation with his coach Benni. He does have that international flavour to his game, but the fact that he hasn’t played consistently until recently probably counted against him,” said Baxter at a press conference on Monday.
“I also feel that Kermit plays well when he feels like he is the main man in the team. I told Benni he has done very well with him. But in Bafana I can’t guarantee him that.”
The former SuperSport United and Kaizer Chiefs coach made a few surprise call-ups in his squad by including the likes of Bongani Zungu and Keagan Dolly who had just recovered from injuries.
Striker Lars Veldwijk and Chiefs goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma were other surprise inclusion to the Bafana squad.
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