Embattled Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter has stepped down from his role with the South African National team.

Baxter announced his resignation on Friday at a press conference following calls for him to quit the National team.

This was the English manager’s second spell with Bafana Bafana following his re-appointment in May 2017.

Baxter called for an urgent press conference for Friday morning to outline his future.

Reading from a prepared statement while flanked by SAFA CEO Russell Paul, Baxter confirmed that he was stepping down with immediate effect.

“Someone should continue with this project and therefore I am resigning as Bafana Bafana head coach, Baxter said.

“It was my personal decision to step down.”

“I feel that I cannot continue to work with the required professionalism and passion as I have done, and to deal with the many issues involved with this programme.

“I’ve chosen not to point fingers in the past and will not do that now, and even when it would have been better for me personally to blame others I’ve tried to recognise what I could do to affect the situation and keep a level of integrity.”

There have been growing calls for the 65-year-old mentor to resign following South Africa’s quarter-final exit at the 2019 Africa Cup Nations tournament in July.

Baxter made it clear he was not desperate to coach the South African national team as he had offers in front of him.

“I have no problem leaving this job‚ don’t confuse me with a coach who is desperate for a job,” Baxter said.

“I am not a desperate coach who says‚ please don’t sack me‚ please.”

He has been in charge of 21 Bafana matches from May 2017 to July 2019.

During this time, Bafana he won eight, lost nine and drew four, and Baxter has been heavily criticised for the team’s lack of positive results and disappointing displays.

Kelvin Trudeau Musako

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