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Baxter frustrated with SAFA's 'budget constraints'

Cape Town - Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter is frustrated that he does not have a permanent assistant coach, though he understands the South Africa Football Association’s (SAFA) financial constraints.

MUST READ: Baxter: Picking younger squad 'not a publicity stunt'

Baxter has used a number of assistants during his reign including former Bafana midfielder Quinton Fortune for a period of time.

However, no permanent deal was agreed and since then, the likes of Thabo Senong (SA U20 coach) and Molefi Ntseki (SA U17 coach) have filled in on a temporary basis.

Nonetheless, the former Kaizer Chiefs mentor is philosophical regarding not having a permanent number two.

"We have budget constraints and we also have political constraints. When I say that I mean political within our game," he said as quoted by the Business Day website.

"We can't just go and steal from the clubs at the drop of a hat. We have to try and negotiate and at some point, you work on it, and then it doesn't work.

"The people who we have got‚ Thabo has been working with his age group [the Under-20s and U-23s) and Molefi's an excellent character and coach and I've got no problem working with him.

"I think as soon as possible we need to tie it down. But tying it down is part of a bigger picture as well, because Neil (Tovey: SAFA's technical director) has got other programmes he's working on as well.

"And we need to make sure that everything is dovetailed. We can't just sequester this one and he may not want to be there.

"So, it is a bit frustrating, and not because I don't like the people I'm working with. It is just frustrating knowing that we have not nailed it down. But (the reason for) that is partly political and partly financial."

Baxter announced a 22-man squad that will take on Libya in a Group E match of their African Cup of Nations qualifier.

The match is scheduled for Saturday, September 8 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Kick-off is at 15:00.

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