Will Chiefs Turn To Baxter?

Kaizer Chiefs could be in for their fifth coaching change in the space of just three years, with a return of Stuart Baxter being touted at Naturena.

The Glamour Boys are experiencing a below-par domestic campaign, having dropped into 10th position on Tuesday, and iDiski Times senior writer Velile Mnyandu has learned Chiefs’s management could replace Gavin Hunt with Baxter.

With four games left to play, Amakhosi sit just five points above the relegation play-off spot and need to be wary of not being drawn into the relegation fight.

The only real positive of Gavin Hunt’s first campaign at the club has been a superb run in the CAF Champions League, that has seen them qualify for the group stages and the quarter-finals of the competition for a first time. 

While some would argue that Hunt needs to be given his own players – after the club couldn’t sign any players ahead of 2020/21 due to their transfer ban – and more time, this publication understands that the management at Naturena has seen enough.

As a consequence, Hunt could be going by the end of the season and replace him with former Amakhosi coach Stuart Baxter.

The 67-year-old was the last Chiefs coach to lift a trophy, winning two leagues trophies and two knockout titles during his previous stint at the club between 2012 and 2015.

He was sacked by Indian side Odisha earlier in February after making a reckless “rape” comment during a post-match press conference.

Hunt himself is also understood not to be entirely happy at the club and if you want to find out why, check out Velile Mnyandu’s full story in this week’s iDiski Times, out in the shops now.

Also in this week’s iDiski Times: an exclusive interview with Mamelodi Sundowns co-head coach Rulani Mokwena, who opens up about his relationship with Pitso Mosimane, why he admires Jose Mourinho, his top six European coaches and the dream of coaching overseas.

Grab your copy at a store near you, iDiski Times is available in English and Zulu.