Baxter On AmaZulu Coaching Shortlist?

AmaZulu are believed to have four names on their shortlist to replace Benni McCarthy, with former Kaizer Chiefs’ coach Stuart Baxter reportedly one of the candidates.

President Sandile Zungu will have to make some big calls ahead of the 2022/23 season, with the next head coach appointment also showing in which direction he’ll steer the Usuthu ship.

Despite question marks being raised amongst sections of Usuthu supporters when Brandon Truter was announced as the replacement for McCarthy, he’s enjoyed an impressive start to life since returning to the dugout in the DStv Premiership. 

One draw and the first three wins in 2022 were secured and he even went on to suggest they still wanted the CAF Champions League qualification spot again this season. 

iDiski Times understands Truter, who is keen on landing the permanent role, is one of the top candidates, but should the club find a new tactician who could meet the ambitions of challenging for the title, as Zungu so dearly desires, he could be retained as part of the club management in a different role. 

Former SuperSport United head coach Kaitano Tembo has been one of several coaches already offered to the club in a position now deemed as one of the most attractive in the league, given the recent renaissance of ambitions under the Johannesburg-based businessman. 

However, it’s understood that Zungu is biding his time for a coach whom he will have full faith in that he could challenge Mamelodi Sundowns for the title next season and beyond before he makes a significant investment by backing the new leader in the transfer market. 

Steve Komphela is a name that has been spoken of within the club’s hierarchy but a move for the senior first-team Mamelodi Sundowns coach seems unlikely due to his exorbitant release clause at Masandawana, something that hindered interest from Orlando Pirates last season. 

But one proposition that could be more realistic is the appointment of Baxter who has since become available after parting ways with Kaizer Chiefs last month. 

The two-time title-winning coach fits the profile Zungu is seeking ahead of next season – an experienced coach with a reputation of winning silverware in South African football. 

To read the FREE digital version of the iDiski Times newspaper, with interviews with Junior Khanye, Roger de Sa and Sundowns scout Tera Maliwa as well as rumours about Samir Nurkovic, Miguel Timm and a PSL defender Chiefs are monitoring, click below!