Kaizer Chiefs feature | 3 reasons Stuart Baxter went all out this transfer window

Stuart Baxter did not holding back in his attempts to build a title-contending Chiefs side, signing 9 new Amakhosi players.

Austin Dube, Njabulo Ngcobo, Kgaogelo Sekgota, Sibusiso Mabiliso, Brandon Peterson, Phathutshedzo Nange, Sifiso Hlanti, Keagan Dolly and Cole Alexander have all recently joined Naturena.

READ | KAIZER CHIEFS | HOW MUCH EACH NEW AMAKHOSI SIGNING IS WORTH: PART 1; PETERSON, NGCOBO & DUBE

This article takes a look at three reasons Baxter let loose this transfer window.

BAXTER IS BUILDING DEPTH

Baxter knows what it takes to win trophies after leading Chiefs to PSL glory back in 2015.

The Chiefs coach also completed the ‘double’ in his first season in charge of Amakhosi in 2012/13.

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He is focusing on building a strong squad that can endure a long season of competitive football. Chiefs wants to push for the DStv premiership as well as domestic trophies such as the Nedbank Cup.

This will require a strong rotation policy with depth in every position. Baxter has quality backup in key positions should any player fall injured or feel fatigued. Even professionals get tired after traveling across the country and playing 2 or 3 games a week across competitions.

CREATING HEALTHY COMPETITION IN THE SQUAD

He now has four quality keepers to call upon after adding Brandon Peterson to an already packed goalkeeper department that contains the likes Of Itumeleng Khune, Bruce Bvuma and Daniel Akpeyi.

The same can be said on defense, especially, at left-back. The addition of Sibusiso Mabiliso and Sifiso Hlanti means Baxter can choose either man and be assured of a quality player on the pitch.

READ | HOW MUCH EACH NEW AMAKHOSI SIGNING IS WORTH – PART 2: MABILISO, HLANTI, NANGE AND SEKGOTA

This will push every player at training and make them perform to their best when given the chance to play. It brings out the best in the team and the players by breeding competitiveness and a fight for game time.

NEW SEASON, NEW SQUAD

They say if you want to grow you need to make changes, old habits will not bring different results. Chiefs are currently in a 6-year trophy drought.

Amakhosi were banned from making any signing last season, forcing former coach Gavin Hunt to use the same squad all season. A squad that looked stale and underperformed for most of the last season.

Chiefs were languishing in 11th position in the PSL with two weeks to go. It took a revitalized side under Arthur Zwane and Dillon Sheppard to galvanize this side. They managed to salvage the final MTN 8 spot on the last day of action before leading Amakhosi through to the finals of the CAF Champions League.

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The young co-coaches showed how this side could play and focused on the youth coming through.

Giving players like Happy Mashiane, Njabulo Blom and Bruce Bvuma time to perform in the spotlight. They showed us that change and new energy in the squad is good.

With Baxter bringing in new faces he is changing old habits and aiming to create a new style of play that can have Chiefs push for silverware.

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Baxter is building an army that is filled with depth and will push each other to succeed.

Chiefs are aiming to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns trophy credentials in this years DStv Premiership.