adminKaizer Chiefs are reportedly set to part ways with their head coach Stuart Baxter and goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune. Speculation regarding the futures of Khune and Baxter at Chiefs has grown in recent times, with the duo being linked with moves away from the club.
“Baxter and the club have agreed to go their separate ways with a year left on the contract. Baxter revealed recently he has had offers from clubs in Europe,” a statement read on the Sunday Times.
When contacted by the publication in Sweden, 61-year-old Baxter reportedly said Chiefs will need significant restructuring.
The Scottish coach, who still has another season left on his Chiefs contract, has been heavily linked with Turkish side Gençlerbirliği SK in recent times.
Baxter has guided Amakhosi to four major trophies 2013 Nedbank Cup, 2014 MTN8 Cup, two Absa Premiership titles in 2013 and 2015 within a period of three years.
It was revealed that Amakhosi were set to replace Baxter with Maritzburg United coach Steve Komphela, who is a former Chiefs captain himself.
Komphela’s agent Tim Sukazi told Sunday Times that his he would expect a call from Chiefs if Baxter does part ways with his current employers.
“To be honest, I have had no formal approach from Chiefs. If I were Chiefs and I lost a coach of Baxter’s calibre I would also look no further than Steve.
If Baxter were to leave Chiefs I would expect that call,” Sukazi said.
Meanwhile, Amakhosi management are believed to have agreed not to extend the contract of the club’s former captain Khune when it expires on June 30.
“Khune is on the way out. The Motaung family are apparently united in the view that ex-captain Khune has reached his expiry date at Amakhosi,” another statement read.
It is said that Mamelodi Sundowns are the favourites to land the 27-year-old former Bafana Bafana captain’s signature.
Lastly, Chiefs will reportedly target centre-back Daniel Cardoso from Free State Stars, and FC Rostov defender Siyanda Xulu, if the Naturena-based side lose the services of their trusted defenders Tefu Mashamaite and Eric Mathoho.
The 30-year-old Mashamaite’s contract talks with Amakhosi have dragged on since early this year, and Sundowns are thought to be eyeing him.
Lanky Bafana Bafana international Mathoho could soon leave Chiefs for Belgium, where he has attracted interest from clubs in that country. — Goal
Online Reporter