JOHANNESBURG – Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter has expressed his delight at seeing striker Kermit Erasmus finally secure a contract with Swedish club AFC Eskilstuna late last month after French side Rennes released him a few weeks earlier.
The former Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United forward had not played a single match for Rennes this season before he was eventually let go.
And Baxter, who had also dropped him from the national team for this reason, said it was a relief to see him try to get his career back on track, albeit in the Swedish second division.
Erasmus would have had to wait until July to join any other potential suitors because his contract in France was terminated outside the transfer window.
Sweden, however, could still register free agents due to their calendar being different.
“I am just happy that Kermit is back playing,” said the Bafana coach, who has had stints in Sweden before.
“I know the club. It’s one that amalgamated with another one. It is a well organised club and it’s in a strong football area.
“I am glad that Kermit has got a platform to sort of resurrect his career because he must have been despairing at some point.”
Baxter said he won’t be rushing to consider him for national team duty in any of the upcoming friendly matches – if Safa can organise some.
“I think we need to give him a bit of time, let him get kicking off. Let him play, let him get a few games under his belt, don’t bring him back in when he is not ready.
“Let him get his head in order first. But I am just glad he is back playing.”
@superjourno