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As the search for a new Kaizer Chiefs coach is continuing, expect a new look Amakhosi team next season.
The next few weeks will be tough for Chiefs as they search for a new coach and playing personnel.
Chiefs will not only have a new coach but also a new central defender and a winger.
This after Amakhosi confirmed parting ways with coach Stuart Baxter and several players, notably two former captains Itumeleng Khune and Tefu Mashamaite, who have been linked with a move to big-spending Mamelodi Sundowns.
Others who will not return to Chiefs are Mandla Masango, Katlego Mphela, Josta Dladla and Siyabonga Nkosi.
Although Khune’s departure might not be a train smash as his deputies Brilliant Khuzwayo and Reyaad Pieterse have done well in his absence, it is in central defence where they will have to find a solution.
Mashamaite was rock solid in the heart of Chiefs defence, which led to him winning not only the PSL’s Footballer of the Season, but also the Players Player of the Season and the Defender of the Season. He also won internal awards at Chiefs after being named the team’s player of the season.
Chiefs chairperson Kaizer Motaung said they would cast their net wide in sourcing Baxter’s replacement.
Maritzburg United coach Steve Komphela has already been touted as Baxter’s replacement.
But Motaung could not deny nor confirm Komphela’s imminent appointment.
He said they had already received applications for the vacant position.
“I would like to believe Steve belongs to this club, but I believe he has a contract with his club. As far as the coach is concerned, we’ve always said that we cast our net very wide. Why must we restrict ourselves? We will not subscribe to the local versus foreign coaches. Our net is wide. We will decide at an appropriate time,” said Motaung.
He said they might even go for another Scot after Baxter’s success.
Baxter won two league titles and two trophies in the three years he spent at Amakhoisi.
