Is Stuart Baxter rejoining Kaizer Chiefs?

Johannesburg - A random tweet that Kaizer Chiefs had announced the signing of Stuart Baxter sent the rumour mill into overdrive on Friday.

The post, which was later deleted, came amid whispers that Amakhosi were negotiating with the Briton to rejoin them for what would be a second stint, with some reports saying he had already signed on the dotted line, a claim he and his current employers, the SA Football Association (SAFA), denied.

Attempts to get further comment from all three parties drew a blank.

So, as things stand in this off-season, the biggest transfer news has been the signing of Andile Jali by Mamelodi Sundowns and the purchase of Khama Billiat by Chiefs from the Brazilians.

Chiefs announced Billiat’s capture a fortnight ago, with Letlhogonolo Mirwa and Andriamirado Andrianarimanana also heading for Naturena.

Mirwa joined from ABC Motsepe League side Buya Msuthu FC, also on a three-year contract, and Andrianarimanana comes from Fosa Juniors FC of Madagascar on a two-year contract.

This week, Chiefs added Namibian goalkeeper Virgil Vries from Baroka FC, and Sundowns announced the signing of Venezuelan striker José Alí Meza and Toni Silva of Guinea-Bissau.

Speculation is rife that the 2017/18 Premier Soccer League season’s joint top goal-scorer Percy Tau is likely to move. The announcement that Doctor Khumalo has parted ways with Baroka FC has fuelled the speculation that he might be revealed as Baxter’s assistant.

Orlando Pirates are yet to announce which players will be released. The Buccaneers will have to cut down their squad of 45 after being the most active on the transfer market, announcing nine new players.

Some quality players they signed include midfielder Vincent Pule from Bidvest Wits, goalkeeper Brilliant Khuzwayo from their rivals Kaizer Chiefs and midfielder Kudakwashe Mahachi from Golden Arrows.

Other notable transfers involved Polokwane City, who appointed Slovakian coach Jozef Vukušic to replace Bernard Molekwa. The Limpopo outfit also announced seven new players, including former Free State Stars striker Mohamed Anas and Msekeli Mvalo from National First Division side Cape Town All Stars.

Wits have announced the arrival of Brighton Mhlongo from Orlando Pirates, and Chippa United duo Bantu Mzwakali and Mxolisi Machupu.