Stuart Baxter says he is looking forward to stamping his authority as the new Bafana Bafana coach when they take on Nigeria in the Afcon qualifiers in June.

The SuperSport United coach was officially unveiled as the new head coach of the South African national team on Monday by the South Africa Football Association.

The 63-year-old says he is expecting a ‘very competitive’ encounter against Nigeria, but is confident his side can form a cohesive bond before the qualifier.

“I hope we will be very competitive with Nigeria. We will give them a game,” Baxter told the SuperSport United website.

“I’m very optimistic if we can pull together, but don’t be too negative because it will affect everyone. I’m asking for buy-in from every South African.”

Baxter believes his side has enough quality in the squad to overcome the Super Eagles when the two sides lock horns in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers on 10 June.

“I believe the nation has enough players to succeed and I believe in my abilities. We need to be competitive and players will do it the SA way. The play should reflect the play in the country.

“I’m looking forward to this latest challenge. If I wasn’t ready, I would not have accepted the challenge,” Baxter said at his unveiling.

“I want players who will play with passion and not behave as if they are tourists in the national team.”

Baxter is set to name his squad for the game against Nigeria on 25 May, as they look to extend his unbeaten run against the Super Eagles.

– This story originally appeared on SportsClub.co.za