Kaizer Chiefs are set to put an end to all the rumour and speculation currently surrounding the popular Soweto club. The Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions will hold a press conference tomorrow, at which it will reveal the future of coach Stuart Baxter and top player Itumeleng Khune.
As things stand, it looks as if, in all likelihood, both will depart Chiefs.
After Baxter’s fantastic three-season achievement at the Joburg club, winning two PSL titles and two Cup trophies – the Nedbank Cup and MTN8 – he is in great demand. The 61-year-old Brit is weighing up numerous offers from overseas, the latest being Turkish side Genclerbirligi, and he is also the SA Football Association’s top candidate for the post of technical director of football.
With Baxter set to leave, Steve Komphela is the favourite for the vacant Amakhosi coaching job. Currently at the helm of Maritzburg United, Komphela, a former Chiefs defender, and an ex-Bafana coach, is said to be the man highest on Chiefs’ want-list.
And that puts in danger the future of current assistant-coach Doctor Khumalo. Having spent quite some time as an assistant, Khumalo probably now feels he is ready to make the step up as a head coach. And, if he doesn’t get the Chiefs job, he’s likely to move on too.
The champion Gauteng club is also not prepared to concede to Khune’s financial demands. The goalkeeper’s contract ends on June 30, but Chiefs insist they cannot afford the numbers the player has put on the table for a renewal. As such, Mamelodi Sundowns, with the buying power of mining magnate Patrice Motsepe behind them, are the only club who can afford Khune – and that is likely to be his destination next season.
Chiefs believe that, in goalkeepers Brilliant Khuzwayo and Reyaad Pieterse, they have two young custodians good enough for the rigours of the PSL.
There is also some doubt as to whether Amakhosi can retain their two central defenders, Tefu Mashamaite and Erick Mathoho.
Mashamaite is the current PSL Player of the Season and his contract comes to an end this month. He is currently in negotiation with the club.
Mathoho has overseas offers to consider and he, too, could soon be on his way.
While Chiefs will clarify everything tomorrow, one thing is clear: The PSL champions will have to rebuild everything for next season. And that’s good news for the rest of the league… at least it gives them a better chance of trying to win the PSL title.