Kaizer Chiefs | 5 stars that could survive the axe IF Baxter joins Amakhosi!

There are a number of Kaizer Chiefs players that the supporters feel should leave the club at the end of the current season, and the majority them are senior players.

With Stuart Baxter reported to be on his way to Naturena to replace Gavin Hunt, a few of those players could survive the dreaded axe.

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The majority of the players on the list of those that are seemigly no longer welcome at Chiefs worked with Baxter before.

And Baxter may want to them to stick around for at least one more season to guide those that may struggle to understand his philosophy.

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The South African takes a look at the five players that could remain behind when Chiefs overhaul their squad for the new season.

ITUMELENG KHUNE

Khune was one of Baxter’s most trusted men during the coach’s three-year stint at Chiefs as he was the club’s No.1.

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At 33, Khune still has some magnificent reflexes but injuries appear to be his biggest enemy in recent months.

His contract is coming to an end on 30 June but Chiefs have an option to renew for another year – and while he’s reported to be on his way out, things could change if Baxter ends up at Naturena.

KGOTSO MOLEKO

Moleko hasn’t enjoyed much game time since Baxter left the club in 2015, more especially this season.

And with his contract also coming to an end, chances of him staying at Chiefs looked minimal at times.

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However, Baxter’s possible return could signal a change of fortunes for Moleko, who arrived at Chiefs alongside the Englishman in July 2012.

WILLARD KATSANDE

Katsande is a player that looked to have reached the end of his career, and that’s because he warmed the bench more under Hunt.

His age coupled with the fact that his contract is coming to an end didn’t do him any favours either but Baxter knows how to get the best out of him.

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Katsande looked rejuvenated in Chiefs’ 3-2 win over Golden Arrows on Wednesday night as he provided an assist to the first goal after a brilliant solo run that saw him eliminate two defenders.

LEBOGANG MANYAMA

Manyama has had one of his worst seasons; his worst in the sense that he was one of the stars that carried Chiefs last term.

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However, he looked out of sorts and often couldn’t pick a pass this season, and the fact that he’s on the other side of 30, has made a section of Chiefs fans call for his sacking.

But after Wednesday’s performance where he scored a hat-trick to become the club’s leading goalscorer, Manyama could be kept for at least two more seasons.

BERNARD PARKER

A villain to the majority of Chiefs fans this season, but a hero to those inside the club, including the now former coach Hunt.

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Parker was switched from being an attacker to a more deeper role in midfielder, and sometimes a winger by Hunt.

He put in some solid shifts at times, and Baxter’s retun could somehow motivate him to do better, especially because he shone for Chiefs between 2012 and 2015 – and even won the league’s top goalscorer award in 2014.