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Baxter hints at troubles in charge of Bafana

Cape Town - Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter has explained that his position as national team mentor is challenging and hinted his future may be unclear.

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Bafana have struggled under the former Kaizer Chiefs mentor amid some reports that he does not enjoy the best working relationship with the South African Football Association (SAFA).

South Africa failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup under his tenure and struggled during a recent goalless draw with Libya in an African Cup of Nations qualifier at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

As such, it appears he may not be considering retaining the role in future, however, it is yet to be clarified as whether he remains in charge.

Speaking to Soccer Laduma website, he said: "Look, I'm not going to discuss my future with Bafana Bafana, because I'm still the head coach and the job is difficult enough as it is without more smoke and mirrors involved.

"As things are now, I'm doing my best in extremely difficult circumstances to prepare the South African national team for every challenge that we have put in front of us."

Ahead of South Africa's match against Libya earlier this month, Baxter's comments revealed that he may already have have a rocky relationship with SAFA after questioning the decision to host Libya in Durban.

Baxter, who had to deal with late injury withdrawals and changes to his technical team, questioned the decision to host an AFCON qualifier against sea-level Libya in Durban.

A picture is now being increasingly painted where a football association, instead of aiding the national team, is forcing Baxter to achieve results with one hand tied behind his back.

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SAFA's decision to not host the fixture at altitude is believed to be due to financial constraints.

"I've always enjoyed playing in Durban - until Cape Verde‚ I suppose‚" Baxter told journalists at the time.

"But the venue‚ is a sea-level venue for sea-level people‚ I suppose you would want to take them to altitude. I was told that was impossible."

Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs chairperson Kaizer Motaung has recently admitted the club spoke to Baxter about a possible return to Naturena.

However, Amakhosi's hands were tied due to Baxter's contract with the SAFA, which will only expire after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

"The talks must have taken place here and there but there wasn't really anything we could come up to because he (Baxter) is still contracted to SAFA," Motaung was quoted as saying.

Bafana Bafana’s next fixtures are early next month in home and away AFCON qualifiers against the Seychelles.

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