Baxter back at Chiefs
Following a six year absence from Naturena, former Bafana
Bafana coach Stuart Baxter has been appointed as the new Kaizer Chiefs manager.
The Englishman has signed a two year contract with the Glamour Boys with a two year option to extend ahead of next season.
Chiefs had one season with Gavin Hunt at the helm and they could only manage to finish in eighth place, however they are in the final four of the CAF Champions League.
Currently Arthur Zwane and Dillon Sheppard are currently at the helm until the paperwork is finalised which will see the pair return to their assistant roles.
“We believe we are on track with the changes we have made so far in the coaching and technical department after a challenging season domestically,” Chiefs Chairman Kaizer Motaung said via a club statement.
“After extensive reviews and consultations, we decided to appoint Stuart because we believe he is one coach who understands our philosophy and culture.
"We know his work ethic and believe he will work with the team we have at the moment while trying to rebuild and ensure we have a formidable side for the new season.”
Baxter won two league titles, a Nedbank Cup and an MTN8 title in his last stint with the club which shows his strong ability to win trophies. For Motaung, this record means his appointment shouldn't come as a surprise.
“It has been six years since Stuart left Chiefs after winning the league trophy in 2015, but he departed on good terms and remains a well-liked figure by many supporters, colleagues and some of the players he coached at the time.
"We believe he will be able to work within our current set up and will use the time to understand some of the players he’s not familiar with."
After the lifting of a transfer ban on Chiefs, Baxter will be able to bring in new players going into the season which will be a big advantage for the club. With that and their run in the continental competition the Chairman is confident they can be a threat next season.
“We did not have a decent pre-season due to Covid-19 and other factors last season, so we hope to use the CAF Champions League journey as a part of our preparation while trying to do well in the competition.
"It won’t be easy, but we believe the team and the technical staff around him will help with the transition.”
On Saturday 19 June Chiefs face Wydad AC in the first leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final.
