Evans backs Baxter’s Bafana squad selection

Former Bafana Bafana defender Phil Evans says coach Stuart Baxter was right to select players he felt could handle the pressure of having to come away with a positive result against Libya.


Baxter came under fire after announcing his squad for their all-important 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against Libya on Sunday.

“You need players that have BMT (Big Match Temperament). It’s part of the game to know that that if you under perform, people will want your head,” Evans told Phakaaathi.

“I would try and pick players that are mentally strong, that can deal with that type of pressure of travelling in Africa and they make life difficult, all they need is to get a good squad atmosphere, and be mentally ready.”

Evans, who earned his first call up during Baxter’s first tenure in charge of Bafana Bafana, believes Baxter will do his homework in preparation for the clash.

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