Baxter parts ways with Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs fans should brace themselves for a new-look Amakhosi next season, one minus coach Stuart Baxter on the bench and Itumeleng Khune in goal.

A Chiefs team that has stayed almost unchanged for three seasons - during which they enjoyed unprecedented success in the PSL era, winning two league and cup doubles - is set for a major reshuffle.

The biggest bombshell is the architect of that success, Baxter, and Chiefs have agreed to part ways. This is expected to be announced at a press conference at Chiefs' Naturena club headquarters on Tuesday, to which Baxter is flying back from his holiday in Sweden.

Two sources close to Chiefs have told Times Media that:

Chiefs and Baxter have agreed to part ways with a year left on the coach's contract. Baxter has revealed recently he has had offers from clubs in Europe.

Chiefs will target Maritzburg United coach Steve Komphela as Baxter's replacement.

Komphela would have to bring his own assistant coach, because current Chiefs assistant Doctor Khumalo would not want to continue in that role under the former Bafana Bafana captain.

Khune is on the way out of Chiefs. The Motaung family are apparently united in the opinion that ex-captain Khune has reached his expiry date at Amakhosi. Khune, whose contract ends on June 30, is believed to be poised to sign for Mamelodi Sundowns.

Chiefs have signed centre-back Daniel Cardoso from Free State Stars.

Amakhosi are trying to sign another centre-back, Siyanda Xulu, whose career has been going nowhere in three seasons at FC Rostov in Russia. The player has a year left on his contract but is trying to get it terminated by Fifa.

The two defenders would be signed as cover for a position where Mashamaite and central partner Mulomowandau Mathoho, who has attracted interest from Belgian clubs, could both leave. The pair were central in Chiefs conceding 14 goals winning the Absa Premiership by a record 69 points.

Marketing director Jessica Motaung and brother Bobby, the club's football manager, have been at odds in the past. But a source said they are united in their opinion Khune has served his purpose at Chiefs.

Amakhosi apparently believe they can develop young goalkeepers Reyaad Pieterse and Brilliant Khuzwayo. Khune, who is believed to have had a big offer from Mamelodi Sundowns that Chiefs did not want to match, said he could not comment on his future until an official announcement is made by the club.

Komphela could not be reached for comment but his agent, Tim Sukazi, said he had had no request for the Maritzburg coach's services from Chiefs. "To be honest, right now as it stands I have had no formal approach from Chiefs," Sukazi said.

Sukazi did say he could understand where such speculation comes from.

"If I were Chiefs and I lost a coach of Baxter's calibre I would also look no further than Steve. I can almost start to believe the rumour myself it's done the rounds so much. If Baxter were to leave Chiefs I would expect that call to come to me."

Contacted in Sweden, Baxter said he could not comment.

The coach has said recently Chiefs will need significant restructuring for the coming season because of a number of players being around or over 30, young players being loaned out, and fringe players let go.

The coach has also admitted there were tensions between him and the club last season, especially over key striker Kingston Nkhatha being allowed to leave to SuperSport United.

Called on Friday evening Bobby Motaung said he had no comment.

Komphela was Baxter's assistant coach for Bafana from 2004 to 2005.