Stuart Baxter: I was told who to buy, and play at Kaizer Chiefs

Former Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter has dropped a bombshell, revealing that he was told who to buy and who to play during his second stint with the club.

Baxter returned to Amakhosi in 2021, taking over from Gavin Hunt as Chiefs were heavily involved in the CAF Champions League.

At the time, Chiefs were banned from signing players until, at least, the following season.

Now, Baxter admitted that his second spell wasn’t as smooth as his first simply because the roles were not clear.

According to Baxter, had the Chiefs management allowed the himself, and the likes of Gavin Hunt and Ernst Middendorp to do their jobs without any interference then club would have achieved success.

In his case, Baxter said he felt he was expected to follow a script written by others in his second spell with Chiefs.

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STUART BAXTER DROPS KAIZER CHIEFS BOMBSHELL

“If Kaizer Chiefs want to learn anything from the whole Baxter saga, the first time the roles were clear. The coach was allowed to do his job,” Baxter told FARPost.

“We had a clear identity, and it was a successful period. The second time, roles were blurred, egos were involved, and it’s likely been the same story since,”

“I came in the second time and it was very unclear. I was getting told which players to buy, who to select, and even how to set up tactically.

“It was as if I was expected to follow a script written by others. That atmosphere was entirely different from the first time, and it made it impossible to build a winning culture.

“Chiefs need to return to that clarity. If you hire a coach, you must allow him to do his job. You cannot keep imposing players, making recommendations, or questioning his tactical approach.

“I am certain that if coaches like Gavin Hunt, Ernst Middendorp, or even myself during my second spell, had been granted the same time and autonomy we see now, we would have delivered success,” added Baxter.

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KAIZE AND BEN YOUSSEF UNDER IMMENSE PRESSURE

As things stand, both Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef are under immense pressure from the Amakhosi fans.

A section of those fans has called for the sacking of the two coaches following the club’s slump and a series of poor results.

Chiefs return to action on Saturday when they host Durban City in the league at FNB Stadium.

Kick-off is at 15:30.