This archive report was first published on 2 August 2019.
South Africa coach Stuart Baxter has resigned, saying he felt the time was right to move on with a new cycle of Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers looming.
His decision comes just weeks after South Africa reached the quarter-finals of the Cup of Nations in Egypt, where they defeated the hosts in the last 16.
Baxter, who turns 66 later this month, was first appointed in 2004 with an eye on the 2010 World Cup, which South Africa was to host.
However, after blowing a strong position in the 2006 World Cup qualifiers and failing to reach the finals in Germany, Baxter left the job.
He returned to South Africa in 2017 for a second stint, winning two league titles with popular Soweto club Kaizer Chiefs before taking the national team post.
Under his leadership, the team won 14 of 30 matches, drawing six and losing 10, with a overall record of 23 victories, 13 draws and 16 losses in 52 games.
Baxter is now the ninth coach to leave his job following the Africa Cup of Nations finals last month.
