Thulani Serero: It's not about me

by Staff Reporter

Wednesday Nov 14, 2018. 13:00

Bafana Bafana midfielder Thulani Serero made a surprise return to the national team this month, a mere 12 months after snubbing a call-up.

His recall has left many a South African football supporter perplexed while head coach Stuart Baxter has come out in defence of the former Ajax Cape Town midfielder who he believes deserves a second chance under his tutelage.

Serero, who has been in good form for Dutch Eredivisie club Vitesse Arnhem, deflected questions regarding his personal issues with the national team, choosing rather to focus on the importance of this weekend's match.

South Africa play host to Nigeria at the FNB Stadium on Saturday in a crucial 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. Victory for Bafana Bafana will book their place at next year's showpiece in Cameroon.

“Nothing was important. It’s my career and I’m a South African, and I love playing for my country – there’s nothing more than that. I don’t have to say anything [more],” Serero said as per KickOff.com.

“There was just a simple conversation [with Baxter] and we understood each other, and I’m here and I’m happy to be part of the team, which is the most important thing.

“I think we shouldn’t make this about me. The most important thing is to win on Saturday.

“It’s not really about me but what matters is that we get the three points to be able to qualify for the African Cup of Nations," the 28-year-old concluded.