Stuart Baxter at a press conference during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
South Africa remains an option for Stuart Baxter
Stuart Baxter is without a club since vacating his post as Bafana coach.
Stuart Baxter at a press conference during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Former Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter is open to a return to South Africa, according to his agent Steve Kapeluschnik.
The Brit ended his most recent stint in the country back in August when he resigned from his spot as national team mentor.
Baxter keeps South Africa as an option
This was shortly after the team’s return from Egypt, where they finished in the last eight of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) after famously upsetting the hosts in the Round of 16.
Baxter has been linked with a return to one of his former clubs Kaizer Chiefs, whom he helped to their last piece of silverware, the 2014/15 league title.
However, Kapelschnik has poured cold water over the 66-year-old reuiniting with Amakhosi.
“No, he hasn’t been linked with Chiefs. What I said is that Baxter loves the country and if there is a project that is available and the timing is right for him and the project is right, he will consider the project,” Kapeluschnik told IOL.
“South Africa is always an option for him but I can’t say it is that club or this club. There will always be clubs that will enquire about his services because he has really, really done well here. I often get calls about that.”
Steve Kapeluschnik
How he has fared in South Africa
Baxter first arrived in South Africa in 2004, where he succeeded Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba – the man he would once again replace in his second stint – as national team coach.
The Scotsman’s initial spell at Bafana lasted less than two years, but would enjoy a slightly longer stint when he took over the reins once more in May 2017.
In between his on-and-off relationship with Safa, he had successful stints with two clubs in the top flight in Chiefs, where he lifted four trophies – including two league titles – and Supersport United, who claimed back-to-back Nedbank Cup trophies under his tutelage.
Baxter has been without a club since severing his ties with Bafana Bafana, citing an untenable working relationship with Safa.
Speaking in April, he said he would not rule out a return to South Africa.
“I spent a large chunk of my adult life in South Africa, I have many great friends and colleagues there, and currently have a family of mine living there. Of course, a return would never be completely off the cards.”
Stuart Baxter
