Baxter opposed to captaincy merry-go-round

Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter says he is not keen on a captaincy rotation system.

He is however open to discussions on a similar structure to that of overseas clubs, where a team captain and a group captain are chosen.

Baxter has named Bidvest Wits hard man Thulani 'Tyson' Hlatswayo as his captain for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations clash against Nigeria.

Bafana will travel to Uyo to take on the Super Eagles in their opening match of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations campaign on June 10.

Hlatswayo was the club captain as the Clever Boys scooped a domestic double (MTN 8 and Absa Premiership) this past season under coach Gavin Hunt.

"I think he has got all the qualities you want from your captain. He's playing regularly and starring for his club," Baxter pointed out.

" He is also a very strong character within that club's dressing room, he has experience at national team level and continental football."

Without firing a broadside at his predecessor Shakes Mashaba, Baxter says he is totally opposed to captaincy rotation.

He feels the armband should be something valued, but doesn't entirely rule out the possibility of a team captain and a group captain. He says that theory, however, is subject to discussion with the players.

"I think there is a case for a group captain; someone who likes to talk and doesn't mind the negotiations with people.

"I'm not sure 'Tyson' fancies that too much, but I'm sure a guy like Itu [Itumeleng Khune] is more experienced in that field. Or even someone like Dean Furman."

Baxter also lamented the limited preparation time by compaison to Nigeria due to continental overlaps and a late finish to the domestic season.