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Baxter promises to introduce fresh blood in the Zambia friendly

Cape Town - Bafana Bafana head coach Stuart Baxter is relishing the opportunity of revitalising the national team with youngsters in sight of the '2022 vision'.

After securing a 2-0 victory over Nigeria on Saturday evening in an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier, Bafana Bafana are gearing up for an international friendly against Zambia on Tuesday.

Baxter promised to introduce a different batch of players in the friendly fixture as the Scotsman looks to keep the momentum going.

"This international friendly against Zambia gives me an opportunity to blend in some of the promising youngsters since part of Vision 2022 entails maintaining sustainable success," said Baxter. 

"This clash comes just days after the AFCON encounter with Nigeria and allows me to "throw in” those players who didn't take part in Saturday's proceedings."

Since his recall to the national team, Baxter has expressed his faith in South African players and his determination to start building the team for the future. 

He said the friendly games will allow him to start incorporating players that have not yet been tested at national level. 

“I am looking forward to identifying a pool of players for senior national team assignments and Wednesday will set us on that path going forward,” Baxter said. 

Bafana has a pool of less experienced players, who did not get a chance in Saturday’s match, including Sifiso Hlanti, Lebogang Phiri, Lorenzo Godhinho and Aubrey Ngoma

Baxter said, in his first press conference last month, South Africa has an immense talent and enough good players to draw from.

After a grand start for 2019 AFCON qualification, Baxter will host the wounded Southern Africa counterparts, Chipolopolo, who lost their opening AFCON qualifier at home against Mozambique over the weekend. 

Zambian coach, Wedson Nyirenda said they are looking forward to the friendly. 

"My hope is that the game carries all the ingredients of a great Southern African derby,” said Nyirenda.

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