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Baxter confirmed as new Kaizer Chiefs coach

football09 June 2021 10:37| © Mzansi Football
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Kaizer Motaung with Stuart Baxter © Kaizer Chiefs FC

Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed the appointment of Stuart Baxter as head coach, a return to the Soweto giants after a successful three-year spell between 2012 and 2015 that netted two DStv Premiership titles.

The move has long been mooted after Chiefs fired Gavin Hunt two games before the end of last season, but managed to finish eighth in the league and secure a place in the MTN8 next season.

“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,” club Chairman Kaizer Motaung says, having also recently announced another former Bafana Bafan coach, Molefi Ntseki, as Head of Technical and Youth Development Academy.

“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 and Ntseki worked together in the Bafana Bafana technical team when the latter was assistant coach, and Motaung believes they will form a partnership to restore the club to its former glories.

“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. We need the coach to have enough time and prepare adequately for the new 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.”

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