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Johannesburg - Former Bafana Bafana captain and Kaizer Chiefs player Lucas Radebe has backed Amakhosi's decision to hire Englishman Stuart Baxter as their coach.
“To see Kaizer Chiefs as a great club hovering in that [eague] position, it looks very strange and unfamiliar,” Radebe said on Monday.
“Something needed to be done, because it can't be players - they've got quality in the squad.
“It's surely the coaching that needs to be sorted out and with Stuart Baxter coming in, that will be rectified.”
Chiefs, who sacked former coach Vladimir Vermezovic last month, are fifth in the standings with one match left in the league campaign.
Radebe, 43, was coached by Baxter for a short period in the national set-up and believed Amakhosi would be able to challenge for league honours next season.
“I think Stuart Baxter is a great coach. He's done well," Radebe said.
"I've worked with him very briefly with the national team.
"He's got vast experience and he'll surely get Kaizer Chiefs to bring the great memories back.
“It's all about respect, and he's got that. He'll get that from the players.
"And that's all he needs to make sure the team performs to their best.”
Radebe felt Baxter would combine well with the rest of the coaching staff.
“Doctor [Khumalo] and them did well towards the end of the season," he said.
"For them being able to continue with Stuart Baxter, I think Chiefs will only do better and surely the next target will be winning the championship next season."
The success of Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates, Radebe said, was a cause for concern, and he saw Chiefs competing on a bigger scale moving forward.
“I think we are being embarrassed by Pirates surely winning it again [this season]," Radebe said.
"For Chiefs fans, it doesn't sit nicely in our hearts but we want to see Amakhosi on top of the league, winning things and bringing excitement to the game.”
