Baxter sets record straight on Simba talks

Former Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter has set the record straight on reports that have made the rounds linking him with Simba SC in Tanzania.

The Englishman parted ways with Amakhosi in April, at the time seven DStv Premiership matches were still to be played and the coach still had a year left on his contract.

He has since returned to Sweden to explore options for a new project, but his name has been mentioned recently in Simba pursuing a replacement for coach Pablo Martin, who was sacked after the club were knocked out of the CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinals by Orlando Pirates last month.

SABC Sport understands Baxter met with Simba, very briefly, around the same time the club's CEO Barbara Gonzalez was in the country with the team to face Pirates in Johannesburg on 24 April.

In an exclusive interview with the public broadcaster after his Chiefs exit, the 68-year-old tactician said he would take his time making a decision, along with his representatives, on which opportunities to explore.

œI had a number of conversations both locally in the Premier Soccer League and on the continent, including a meeting with Simba, Baxter has now told SABC Sport from Sweden.

œBut I think it is important to correct some misinformation. I took a meeting with Simba to discuss their plans going forward and I feel there are now agents who are misleading the public about what was discussed.

"I haven't decided yet if there will be further talks with any of the clubs that I've met. But football is timing, so let's wait and see.

With the coach now in Europe, it is expected he is likely to consider coaching opportunities closer to home rather than returning back to the PSL, although an enticing offer could very well lure him back.

By Mazola Molefe