Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter appoints son Lee as goalkeeper coach ahead of Libya clash
South Africa national team head coach Stuart Baxter has called up his son Lee Baxter to stand-in as goalkeeper coach for the upcoming 2019 Africa Cup of Nations against Libya.
Bafana Bafana are set to jet off for Durban, and the South Africa Football Association (Safa) has now confirmed that the goalkeeper coach would be the latest addition to the squad.
Baxter’s addition comes after Andre Arendse was unable to join up with the team due to family commitments, according to a tweet issued by the national team on Monday morning.
The 42-year-old, who has previously played for clubs such as Scottish giants Rangers and Swedish giants Malmo, prior to hanging up his boots has been on the books of Kaizer Chiefs where he has been heading their goalkeeper coaching department.
Baxter joined Amakhosi in February of 2018, where he replaced former coach Alex Revoredo, who passed away in 2017.
The decision to bring Baxter on board was perhaps influenced by his familiarity with South Africa No.1 Itumeleng Khune. The Chiefs keeper was called up alongside SuperSport United shot-stopper Ronwen Williams and Bidvest Wits keeper Darren Keet.
Although, Baxter was reportedly linked with the job when his father took over, this will be the first experience that he will have working in a national team set up.
Aside for his current post at Chiefs, Baxter has previously had spells in Turkey, Scandinavia and even a stint with SuperSport United where he too worked with his father.
Nonetheless, Baxter will now be left to ensure that he gets his goalkeepers ready in time for the clash on Saturday afternoon.
Bafana are currently second on the group standings after beating Nigeria 2-0 in their only game thus far.
Libya on the other hand are currently top of log, having put five goals past Seychelles in their opening game which was played in June of 2017.
@BafanaBafana head coach Stuart Baxter has called up goalkeeper coach of Kaizer Chiefs Lee Baxter to replace Andre Arendse who has been withdrawn from the squad due to family commitments. Bafana Bafana face Libya in an AFCON qualifier on Sat 8 Sep 3pm @SAFA_net pic.twitter.com/d5AAEIDqLw
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) September 3, 2018
Meanwhile, it has now been confirmed that Bafana will have to without two key member's.
According to a statement issued by the national team on Twitter, both Themba Zwane and Bongani Zungu have been withdrawn from the clash.
Furthermore, the tweet also reveals that Mamelodi Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana is a 'serious doubt' for the game.
@BafanaBafana midfielders Bongani Zungu & Themba Zwane have been withdrawn from the squad due to injuries. Midfielder Hlompho Kekana is in serious doubt & undergoing tests at his club. Zwane was in camp but got left behind after a medical check up by the national team doctor
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) September 3, 2018
It now remains to be seen whether or not the Bafana coach will show faith in the players at his disposal or opt to call in further reinforcements.