Midfielder Bongani Zungu has given reasons why Stuart Baxter should stay coach of senior national team Bafana Bafana.
Zungu, who finished as Bafana's top scorer at the Africa Cup of Nations with two goals, says Baxter understands South African football and its players.
Bafana were knocked out in the quarterfinals by Nigeria and, despite going further than they did in 2015, many South Africans have called for Baxter's head.
Zungu, though, wants to see Baxter in charge of the national team going forward.
"For me as a South African football player, to have a coach that understands our mentality as players is a blessing. He understands us as players, he understands South African football and that has helped a lot of players," the former Mamelod Sundowns said on Saturday, after Bafana landed at OR Tambo International Airport.
"That's something a lot of people don't know, because a lot happens in camp. I would like him to stay and hopefully we will carry on and grow with players and do well."
Bafana, meanwhile, was asked about his future as national team coach on Saturday and made it clear that he is not desperate for a job and revealed that he had turned down offers to stay with Bafana.
READ: Baxter - I am not desperate