Stuart Baxter Reported to be Leaving Kaizer Chiefs

It has been reported in South Africa today that Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter has apparently resigned from the Club. Neither Baxter nor Kaizer Chiefs (KC) have confirmed the reports as yet.

Official confirmation is expected at a press conference on Tuesday 2 June 2015.

Twitter is abuzz with the rumours, with Baxter’s name trending in South Africa’s Top 10. Most tweeters have reacted with shock and posted positive messages thanking the British coach for his professionalism and all that he did for SA soccer and for KC

“Every coach coming to KC will be judged on the standards set by Stuart Baxter,” said one, while another said “Byeeeee Stuart Baxter, all the best. Thank u for everything u did 4 Amakhosiiiiiii.”

According to the reports the head coach and Kaizer Chiefs have agreed to part even though Baxter still had another year in his contract.

There has been speculation in the press over the last few weeks that Turkish club Genclerbirligi has been seriously interested in signing Baxter, with other European clubs also being interested. (Last September he turned down an offer from another Turkish club in order to remain with Amakhosi.)

Some football fans joked that perhaps Baxter’s leaving to take up a position at FIFA, while one tweet said “great news indeed, Stuart Baxter leaving Kaizer Chiefs means the gap between them and Pirates will not increase.”

Others said they “smell trouble” with some players due to leave the team.

During Baxter’s three years with the Club, the team won both the Nedbank Cup and the MTN8 league titles.