Stuart Baxter critiques Kaizer Chiefs’ handling of young stars after defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns.
Former Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter believes the club’s current handling of young players could have been better, especially following the team’s 4-0 humiliation at the hands of Sundowns. The crushing loss in the Carling Knockout semi-finals led to mixed reactions, with praise for head coach Nasreddine Nabi’s bravery in fielding young talents but also criticism for playing too many in the starting lineup at once.
Baxter, who helped develop Teboho Mokoena at SuperSport United, explained his approach to nurturing young talent. He emphasised the importance of gradual integration into the first team, contrasting it with the current trend of throwing youngsters directly into high-pressure matches. “You cannot really tell youngsters are going to be successful or not. We thought ‘Tebza’ was going to be a top player but you can’t be certain,” Baxter shared in an interview on the Mike Morton Talks Football YouTube channel.
Right way to bring young players through
Baxter revealed how Mokoena’s development followed a carefully planned trajectory. “When Tebza came through, I had a conversation with Stan Matthews [SuperSport CEO], that, ‘We’ve got to deal with these young players properly,’” Baxter said. He explained that Mokoena’s early career involved training alongside experienced players like Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Dean Furman. “He learned from them and then sat on the bench. Then he came in for ten minutes, then came in for a half, played a friendly, and started,” Baxter continued. This gradual process allowed Mokoena to gain valuable experience before being fully integrated into the starting lineup.
Baxter’s insights provide an important lesson for Kaizer Chiefs. While Nabi was lauded for being bold in giving young players like Mduduzi Shabalala, Wandile Duba, Samkelo Zwane, and Mfundo Vilakazi opportunities early in the season, the heavy defeat to Sundowns raised questions about the strategy. After the loss, Nabi suggested the defeat served as a learning experience for the young players. It remains to be seen if the coach will stick with this approach or alter his strategy in the upcoming matches.
Can Kaizer Chiefs’ young players handle the pressure?
The pressure is mounting on Kaizer Chiefs as they resume their league campaign, and with the spotlight on the young players, only time will tell if the team’s youthful lineup can deliver consistent results. Chiefs fans are eagerly awaiting to see how Nabi will manage his promising talents in the high-stakes matches ahead.
Baxter’s approach to developing young players highlights the importance of patience and careful planning. As Kaizer Chiefs continue to field young talents, they must find the right balance between nurturing their growth and ensuring the team delivers on the pitch. Will the Chiefs’ bold move to invest in youth pay off, or will the pressure of first-team football prove too much? Fans are watching closely.
Stay tuned with The South African as Stuart Baxter critiques Kaizer Chiefs’ handling of young stars after latest setback.
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