By Osasu Obayiuwana BBC Sport

Bartlett said South Africa requires managerial stability

Returning South Africa striker Shaun Bartlett has called for managerial stability in the national team.

Bartlett, who played in Tuesday's match against Australia in London - after a lengthy absence from international duty - said the revolving door of managers has had a negative effect on the country's fortunes.

South Africa's recent appointment of Englishman Stuart Baxter is their eleventh managerial change in a ten-year period.

"The constant change of managers has not helped us," Bartlett told BBC Sport in an exclusive interview.

We have to put the disappointment of the Cup of Nations behind us South Africa striker Shaun Bartlett

"But Safa has signed a two year contract with the new coach and this should bring stability to the team."

"We really have not had a manager staying with us for a long period so I think the players can get used to his style and his mentality," Bartlett said.

Absent from the Cup of Nations in Tunisia due to a conflict with former manager Shakes Mashaba over his release from English club duties with Charlton Athletic, Bartlett said he is looking forward to a new chapter with the South African team.

"I think my problems with Safa are over.

"Our games are covered by the international co-ordinated calendar, so I won't be missing any games for Charlton to play for South Africa."

Bartlett said South Africa's first round exit at the Cup of Nations was disappointing but said they must put it behind them as they prepare for the start of the 2006 Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers.

The Bafana Bafana meet Cape Verde in their opening tie on 6 June.

"We have to put the disappointment of the Cup of Nations behind us. It was hard to see the team do badly.