Bafana hit by perennial withdrawal syndrome

Stuart Baxter, the Bafana Bafana coach, is experiencing his usual withdrawal crisis ahead of the crucial World cup and African Nations Cup qualifier against Ghana this weekend.

However, Baxter believes that Ghana is in for a big surprise, despite the fact that Hans Vonk, seasoned goalkeeper, has withdrawn from the team. Vonk sustained a back injury while the team was preparing for Cape Verde match a forth night ago. Rowan Fernandez, the Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper, might be a perfect replacement for Vonk, though SuperSport United's number one Calvin Marlin is also available.

Baxter will be without five experienced players. Bradley Carnell, Sibusiso Zuma, Vonk and Cyril Nzama are injured and Benni McCarthy are suspended. Siyabonga Nomvete, who played his heart out at the weekend during the Lucas Radebe's testimonial game, has been roped in and Baxter is happy to have him back.

SA players are motivated Shaun Bartlett has fully recovered from his ankle injury. He missed the Cape Verde game, and is determined to do his best and hopefully score a goal. Delron Buckley and Quinton Fortune only arrived this afternoon. Mbulelo Mabizela and Elrio van Heerden will arrive in the country tomorrow.

Baxter says his boys are motivated and are looking forward to the game. Baxter has called on all South Africans to rally behind the team for this crucial qualifier. South Africa top Group Two with 15 points just three ahead of Ghana and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). At stake are not just three points, but revenge for last year's humiliation in Kumasi, where Ghana walloped them 3-0.