Kaizer Chiefs should have given the coaching reins to Arthur Zwane — not Stuart Baxter

By Mihlali Baleka

Johannesburg — Kaizer Chiefs had every right to miss coach Stuart Baxter, but that doesn’t mean they should have rekindled their relationship with him. He was an ex for a reason. And that’s why they should have opted for Arthur Zwane this season instead.

After being bundled out of the Nedbank Cup by TS Galaxy, Amakhosi are on course to go seven seasons without silverware. A feat that totally defies their precious tag, “The Cup Kings of South African football”, after their illustrious success.

During that drought spell, they’ve had as many as five coaches. And some appointments were backed by the fraternity while others were questionable. The latest to be questioned though was that of Baxter who rejoined the team last year.

Sure, Baxter was the last successful coach at the club between 2012 to 2015. He won two titles and two trophies. But since his departure from Chiefs, he had done little to show he’s invested in nurturing talent at the club that he’s been at.

Baxter is a firm believer of the tried and tested. That was his mantra at Chiefs, SuperSport United and Bafana Bafana. Who can forget how he was keen to take an injured Itumeleng Khune to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Egypt?

Sure that didn't happen, with Bruce Bvuma selected instead. But thinking of Khune was a no to start with. He was not fully fit. But it almost as if Baxter was not even considering that. Instead, thinking of the experience that he'd bring to the team.

Baxter has not been one to take interest in throwing young players to the deep end. Unless, the public is on his case as it has been over the years. Who can forget how he overlooked Thembinkosi Lorch for the group stage in the 2019 Afcon?

Lorch, who was the reigning