02.06.2015 12:35 h

Kaizer Chiefs' English coach quits

England-born Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter announced Tuesday that he was leaving the South African champions a year before his contract expires.

The 61-year-old from Wolverhampton gave no reason for his decision at a media conference and said he did not have another job lined up.

"I have nothing," he stressed. "I am going to Sweden for a bit of a rest."

Reports have linked him with a Turkish club and the vacant South Africa technical director post.

Baxter excelled domestically during three seasons at Chiefs, the most successful and popular football club in the republic, winning two league titles and two cup competitions.

But he flopped in Africa, twice failing to get the Amakhosi (Chiefs) into the group stages of the CAF Champions League.

The Soweto club were particularly disappointing in a last-32 tie against Moroccans Raja Casablanca this year, not scoring in either leg.

Baxter previously coached the national teams of South Africa and Finland and clubs in Sweden, Norway, Portugal and Japan.

Chiefs' said two stars, goalkeeper Itumuleng Khune and centre-back Tefu Mashamaite, are leaving after not renewing contracts.

Former South Africa captain Khune and current South African Footballer of the Year Mashamaite have been linked with Pretoria-based Mamelodi Sundowns, one of Chiefs' major rivals.