Micho refuses to criticise Baxter for Mlambo snub

Cape Town - Orlando Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic has declined to criticise Stuart Baxter over his decision to leave Xola Mlambo out of his Bafana Bafana squad.

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Mlambo has been in impressive form for the Buccaneers but missed the cut for South Africa's Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Seychelles.

Instead, Baxter has selected Hlompho Kekana, Dean Furman, Kamohelo Mokotjo and Thabo Nodada ahead of the Pirates star.

Former Uganda boss Sredojevic was quoted by IOL website as saying: "I've been a national team coach before. I know when 40 million Ugandans ask why you left that player (out).

"I have the highest degree of respect for Stuart Baxter. It is his opinion, it is his own responsibility. We cannot force (the national team coach to call up Mlambo)."

Instead, Sredojevic hopes to convince Baxter to change his mind by helping Mlambo to keep up his solid performances at club level.

"Our job is to motivate the player to perform and try and convince the national team coach to call him," the Serb added.

"Our power ends there. Pointing fingers is wrong."

Bafana Bafana will face Seychelles at FNB Stadium at 15:00 on Saturday before travelling to the island nation for the return fixture on Tuesday.