Stuart Baxter has hinted that Bafana Bafana prodigal son Thulani Serero could return to the starting lineup for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria.

The former Kaizer Chiefs and SuperSport United mentor shocked the South African football fraternity when he included the former Ajax Amsterdam star in the 23-man squad who will do duty against the Super Eagles at the FNB Stadium.

This announcement came as a surprise given Serero’s long-standing feud with the senior national team. Baxter, however, assured the public that the attacking midfielder’s inclusion was unconditional.

Serero looked sharp during Bafana’s training session on Thursday at Steyn City school, prompting many to believe that the former Absa Premiership Footballer of the Year is set to start against Nigeria.

Baxter didn’t give much in the way of revealing who would start, but said that Serero’s issues with the national team are a thing of the past.

‘He’s had an [ankle] injury that’s prevented him from proper training for the week. So it’s not just about throwing him in and let him swim or sink, but the players and staff have reacted well to him,’ he told reporters.

‘If you look at the whole situation, it’s one where he took the initiative [to come back], and I believe he deserves that chance.

‘If he starts or he’s on the bench, that’s not 100% yet,’ he added.

Baxter called on the nation to support them in their second-last Afcon qualifying clash.

‘We can have our opinions about how things in the bigger perspective are going, but we are trying to develop a new team and at the same time win games – that’s not the easiest thing to do.

‘I don’t think we should lose track of the fact that we all want the same thing; we are all taking part.

‘I would like to make it intimidating there on the field for the Nigerians and intimidating up there [in the stands]. I hope all South Africans will come and support, give us that extra support,’ he concluded.

Photo: Gallo Images