Stuart Baxter's squad has been welcomed by South Africa fans

Observers say Baxter has got the right blend of youth and experience needed to take South Africa forward.

The 18-man squad announced on Wednesday squad contains just three locally-based players.

There only new name on the list is Elrio van Heerden from FC Copenhagen in Denmark.

South Africa's football fans are hoping to put this year's disastrous African Cup of Nations behind them as they begin the process of trying to qualify for the 2006 event and the World Cup.

Baxter also seems to have sorted that problems with his overseas-based players and Charlton Athletic defender Mark Fish is set to set to make his first appearance in almost four years.

Fish is part of South Africa's 18-man squad for their 5 June 2006 World Cup and African Cup of Nations qualifier against the Cape Verde Islands.

The 30-year-old won the last of his 60 caps back in October 2000 and had previously asked not to be selected for the team to concentrate on his club career in England.

It also looks like striker Benni McCarthy will also be making a welcome return to the team but is unavailable for the first qualifier as he is getting married.

Squad:

Goalkeepers:
Emile Baron (Lillestrom, Norway), Hans Vonk (SC Heerenveen, Netherlands)

Defenders:
Bradley Carnell (Borussia Moenchengladbach, Germany), Mark Fish (Charlton Athletic, England), Aaron Mokoena (Racing Genk, Belgium), Thabang Molefe (Le Mans, France), Nasief Morris (Panathinaikos, Greece)

Midfielders:
Delron Buckley (VfL Bochum, Germany), Lance Davids (1860 Munich, Germany), Stanton Fredericks (Kaizer Chiefs), Mbulelo Mabizela (Tottenham Hotspur, England), Benson Mhlongo (Wits University), Elrio van Heerden (FC Copenhagen, Denmark), Benedict Vilakazi (Orlando Pirates), Japhet Zwane (FC Rostov, Russia)