Kaizer Chiefs solution: Does Stuart Baxter need to turn to Itumeleng Khune?

There are clear problems at Naturena as Stuart Baxter scrambles to find a solution to Kaizer Chiefs’ on-field woes.

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Already out of the MTN8 and not part of the CAF Champions League this season, Baxter can focus solely on the DStv Premiership (and the Nedbank Cup later in the season).

However, despite a number of high-profile off-season signings – a luxury previous coach Gavin Hunt did NOT have during his time at the helm thanks to Kaizer Chiefs’ transfer ban – the 2021/22 league season has gotten off to a disastrous start for the Glamour Boys.

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After four matches they have picked up just four points – and find themselves down in 12th place in the standings with the four sides below them all having a game – or games – in hand.

More worrying for Amakhosi supporters is the calibre (on paper at least) of the teams they have failed to beat to date.

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With respect to them, none of TS Galaxy, Baroka FC or Royal AM ought to strike fear in an Amakhosi side packed with internationals and star names earning outrageous salaries.

Kaizer Chiefs should have nine points from three wins over those sides (two of which were at their once fortress FNB Stadium).

Kaizer Chiefs’ only ‘excuse’ could potentially be their away defeat to reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns. But if they wish to contend for the title, those are the sort of matches to pick up at least a point.

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It appeared from his team selection for the most recent match against Royal AM that Baxter had listened to the fans and selected Njabulo Ngcobo to make his first start for Amakhosi. He also handed a first start to goalkeeper Brandon Peterson.

The latter selection backfired as the former Ajax Cape Town and Bidvest Wits shot-stopper leaked a season-high four goals.

Is it not perhaps time for cool heads to prevail and Baxter to turn to his most experienced squad member – Itumeleng Khune?

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Khune is currently fighting for a spot in goal along with Peterson, Bruce Bvuma and Daniel Akpeyi.

It’s something of a luxury to have four capable goalkeepers in any squad.

Selecting the now 34-year-old Khune would mean dropping Peterson after just one match which would be a touch unfair considering he certainly wasn’t at fault for all four goals leaked on Saturday.

Baxter has a problem on his hands thanks to his own self making. His best bet to solving it may well be to start from the back – and pick Itumeleng Khune in goal.

On paper Kaizer Chiefs have a winnable looking next match against bottom-of-the-table Marumo Gallants albeit away from home on Sunday, 26 September 26 at 17:00.

Should he fail to win that match, Baxter’s days could well be numbered as AmaZulu loom just six days later and Usuthu coach Benni McCarthy would surely love nothing more than to cast the final stone at the under-fire Englishman.

STUART BAXTER’S FIRST FOUR DSTV PREMIERSHIP MATCH RESULTS:

TS Galaxy 0-0 Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 Baroka FC

Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs 1-4 Royal AM