Stuart Baxter has publicly endorsed Benni McCarthy as a top coaching candidate for Kaizer Chiefs if the club parts ways with co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef amid growing pressure over results this season.
Chiefs have struggled for consistency in the Betway Premiership, and a run of four straight defeats across competitions – which they snapped on the weekend – has fuelled calls from supporters and pundits for a managerial shake-up.
Conditions for Success
Baxter, who previously enjoyed success with Chiefs, said that any new coach must be backed properly by the club’s hierarchy. He is clear about who should be first in line if changes are made.
“You’ve got to ask yourself, are these two coaches … doing the job, or are they working with one hand tied behind their back? I don’t know. I don’t know the answer to that,” Baxter said, according to an interview, emphasising that structural support is as important as the appointment itself.
“Now, if these two coaches are sacked, then for the crowd, it seems like Chiefs are doing something. But for me, it doesn’t matter who you bring in; you’ve got to create the conditions for the coach to be able to do his work … and ask the coach, what is your vision? What is your project?”
Benni McCarthy: The Favourite
Baxter is particularly keen on McCarthy – currently manager of the Kenya national team – because of his experience and reputation.
“So I would say, there are plenty of coaches that could accept the pressure. I mean, look, you could bring Benni McCarthy but it’s allowing that person the conditions to be the coach he is and trusting him,” Baxter added, referencing the trust he received from Chiefs leadership in his own tenure.
Here are some key points to consider when evaluating McCarthy for the job:
- His experience as a player and coach in South Africa and abroad
- His reputation as a skilled tactician and motivator
- His ability to work under pressure and deliver results
McCarthy has previously indicated he is open to the Chiefs job, but only if it aligns with his broader managerial ambitions. The club’s supporters will be watching developments closely as the season progresses.
