Stuart Baxter has called for a “sensible” usage of Kaizer Chiefs’ players in Bafana Bafana, because he fears a possible burn-out as eight of his men head off to a lengthy national camp this week following a hectic season.
Baxter, speaking after being named Absa Premiership coach of the year on Sunday, said he had had a word with national coach Gordon Igesund about the Amakhosi players called up for Sunday’s friendly against Lesotho, and the two away World Cup qualifiers against the Central African Republic and Ethiopia next month.
“We’ve met with Gordon and put our point of view,” the Chiefs coach said.
“What’s good is that we are in agreement about the work load on players. We all have to co-operate or risk dire consequences for both the club and country. We have to make sure that on both sides we are sensible when loading the players.”
Baxter has proposed that Chiefs players only join the camp, that begins tomorrow in Johannesburg, on Friday.
“That would be a good starting point ... that our guys get more rest than other players (in the squad).
“I understand some players are injured and Gordon wants to look at options, but I think he would understand that these players need a bit of time before going into camp.
“Someone like (Tsepo) Masilela can do with a rest.”
Igesund, however, is understood to want all members of his 25-man squad in camp tomorrow.
He will compromise on allowing Chiefs players to remain behind when the team leaves for Lesotho on Friday, so that they can attend their club’s awards dinner that night.
The eight players would then travel to Maseru on Saturday morning to train with the rest of the team at the match venue on that afternoon ahead of Sunday’s friendly match (3pm).
The Bafana camp that begins tomorrow concludes only on June 17, a mere two weeks before Chiefs are to reconvene for preseason.
No wonder Baxter is a bit apprehensive that his warriors Itumeleng Khune, Tefu Mashamaite, Bernard Parker, Reneilwe Letsholonyane Sibo-niso Gaxa, Masilela, Erick Mathoho and Siphiwe Tshabalala might not be sharp enough for next season, when Chiefs would be bidding to defend the Premiership title and also face the rigours of the African Champions League.
“We are coming back (for pre-season) at the end of June. If we get this wrong, it will impact big time on us. We will feel it throughout the season,” Baxter said.
How Igesund deals with Chiefs’ request will be key in determining future relations, with the Cosafa Cup looming in mid-July.
While Baxter has experience as a national coach and therefore understands Igesund’s challenges, he noted how Chiefs were forced to play a domestic match just two days after their players returned from national duty last October.
“What we saw when we played (Bidvest) Wits in the Telkom Knockout last year was not the kind of co-operation we were looking for. It was certainly not good for the players,” said the Briton, but he emphasised his team would always assist Bafana.
“This is not a club versus country argument. We want our players in the national team. What we are saying is that you need a recuperation programme in place.
“We are fortunate to have eight players in there, but it’s also unfortunate that if they are not managed properly, that could affect us badly.”
Meanwhile Khune, who was named PSL player of the year, said he had no problem fulfilling the Bafana fixtures.
“I would love to play, even though it seems my legs can’t carry me.
“If the coach (Igesund) decides to rest me for the Lesotho game, I’m fine, but I want to play. I have 55 caps and I want more.”
Bafana face Lesotho on Sunday, before travelling to Cameroon for a crucial 2014 World Cup qualifier against the CAR next Saturday. They will then face Ethiopia in Addis Ababa on June 16. - The Star