Share

Baxter: Hosting AFCON a blessing and a curse

Cape Town - Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter says that automatic qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2019 by hosting the event is a "blessing and a curse".

South Africa appear to be favourites to host Africa's most prestigious international competition in 2019, after elected hosts Cameroon were stripped of the rights due to inadequate infrastructure.

According to reports, CAF have asked the South African Football Association to host the tournament and President Danny Jordaan has indicated a willingness to do so should government assist.

It appears a mixed blessing for Bafana in that they needed a point against Libya next year to qualify by their own rights - a challenge Baxter was relishing.

He told KickOff website: "I mean it's like a blessing and a curse, isn't it? Let's put me in the spot as a professional coach.

"I think a game with the knife at the throat against Libya for this group of players, in their development, would be massive.

"There's a part of me that wants to play the game anyway, but AFCON on home soil for these group of players would be massive.

"Can we get both? I hope so. I hope that no matter what the decision is, we get to play Libya.

"In terms of me preparing, I have to forget that I've heard that and keep on trying to get the players together. We need to keep doing the stuff we are doing to prepare for Libya. In my world, we are playing Libya and that's it.

"Obviously the sooner we get an indication the better. If we get that shout early, and we know what it is, then that will be better."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2250 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE