Johannesburg – Kaizer Chiefs confirmed coach Stuart Baxter will be leaving the club ahead of the new season the football side announced at their training grounds in Naturena, on Tuesday.
In his three years at the Soweto Giants, Baxter led the team to two Premiership titles, Nedbank Cup and MTN8 trophies.
Kaizer Chiefs Executive Chairman Kaizer Motaung made the announcement.
“I can confirm that the coach and Kaizer Chiefs have agreed amicably to allow the coach to move on,” said Motaung.
Without mentioning specific reasons for leaving Chiefs, Baxter gave a thinly veiled description of his working environment.
“It’s difficult when you come to a big club, the tensions drive a football club,” said Baxter.
“At a big football club there are certain things that drive a club, and you have to be up to meet those challenges.
“When you think you cannot do that it is better to part company. That is where we’ve been and we’ve spoken maturely about it and we felt for everybody this is the best solution.”
It had been reported that Baxter had been to Turkey in the last week to meet with an interested club, which Baxter confirmed.
“This is has nothing to do with anything else,” said Baxter.
“I have visited Turkey, but at this moment I have nothing. I’m going to Sweden to have a bit of a rest.”
Baxter went on to say he left the club on good terms.
“There will be no finger pointing from me. I don’t want to spoil for me and Kaizer Chiefs what has been a beautiful journey,” said Baxter.
“I’ve got one regret, because of the timing I’ve not sat with the players and told them this.
I’ve enjoyed every minute working with the players and the people of this football club.”
There was also significant player movement the club confirmed ahead of the new season.
Katlego Mphela, Itumeleng Khune, Mandla Masango, Tefu Mashamaite, Siyabonga Nkosi, Josta Dladla and Phakamani Mngadi.
The case of Khune who had been captain of the AmaKhosi had ended on a particularly sour note according to Motaung.
“His case became more disrespectful to the club when just before we closed. He sent us a note to say he’ll talk to us on the 18th of June when he comes back for the testing for the team,” said Motaung.
“The message was clear that he was dictating terms to us as he told us, so we could not be held to ransom by one person. We are moving ahead and we are not waiting for the 18th of June, so he’ll be free to see his way forward.
“If it becomes an issue of money, this is not the place to be.” - ANA