KAIZER Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter believes he has been able to refresh his team with the signing of Ivan Bukenya this week - but the Brit will not rush the defender into action.

The Uganda international arrived at the club three weeks ago for trials as a free agent.

To Baxter's delight, he was signed on Monday on a two-year deal with an option to renew - and the coach has indicated that Bukenya will be cover for the ticking time bomb anchorman Willard Katsande.

The 21-year-old Ugandan can also play as a defensive midfielder, a role Katsande has made his own, but has had Baxter pulling his hair out because of his reckless tackles - earning him unnecessary bookings.

"This is part of the process of refreshing the team. Ivan is tall and strong, plus he has age on his side," said Baxter.

He is Chiefs' second signing of the season following the return of Knowledge Musona, on loan from Germany's Bundesliga side 1899 Hoffenheim.

Bukenya's arrival will also suit Baxter who wants to see the squad beefed up ahead of the Caf Champions League in February.

However, Baxter is not eager to hurry the player into action when the Glamour Boys travel to Limpopo to face Polokwane City in the Telkom Knockout round of 16 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday night.

Unlike Musona, who took to his Chiefs' comeback like a fish to water by cracking the starting line-up in the opening Absa Premiership clash against Mpumalanga Black Aces, Bukenya has to settle in, said the coach.

"I will not rush him until we are satisfied that he has adapted to our system as well as the culture in and around the club."

Bukenya will feature for Amakhosi in the Macufe Cup against Bloemfontein Celtic on October 13.

lRomanian Mario Marinica has thrown his hat into the ring and is being considered for the vacant coaching job at City as the Limpopo club continues to take their time over the appointment of a replacement for Duncan Lechesa.

Marinica was formerly in charge of Black Leopards for a spell in 2009, and has made known his familiarity with Polokwane and his knowledge of the PSL. - Additional reporting by Nick Said