National soccer coach Stuart Baxter said at a breakfast on Friday that South African soccer would be set back by up to 50 years if the national team was not properly prepared for the challenges of the World Cup.

"The media are asking why I discuss 2010 if my contract expires in 2006. But we can't only start in 2006 to put the necessary structures in place.

"If we don't prepare properly we might become the first host country unable to score a goal in the tournament," the coach said.

"Upcoming players and senior players have to start taking responsibility and prepare for the challenges. If we get a penalty in the opening game of the tournament one player has to take the ball and convert the opportunity.

"They should not look around to the others and wonder who should take the kick." Baxter added that a top class coach should be appointed for young players who are earmarked for the World Cup.

"It should be someone who know how to work with young people. It should be someone who is good In handling children."

He indicated that many coaches were unable to work with children and the wrong coach could harm the young players confidence.

from News24.com