What the Siya crew has been told…

Kaizer Chiefs are on high alert following Benni McCarthy’s exit from AmaZulu FC! In fact, Siya sources have indicated that part of the reason for the top coach’s exit from the KwaZulu-Natal outfit was because of Amakhosi’s interest in his services.

Last week, the Siya crew broke the news that McCarthy would be leaving Usuthu, which the club later confirmed. Siya sources subsequently revealed that AmaZulu had identified Stuart Baxter as his possible replacement, and in a surprise twist, that McCarthy could be heading in the opposite direction.

At the time, three independent sources revealed that Chiefs had sounded out McCarthy, assessing if he would be open to making the switch to Naturena, should Baxter be let go.

The Siya crew has since been informed by well-placed sources that AmaZulu got wind of Chiefs’ interest in McCarthy, which, in part, prompted the decision to part ways with coach at this stage of the season.

A fourth independent source has now reaffirmed Usuthu’s interest in Baxter, which could open to door for McCarthy’s arrival at Naturena. As previously reported by the Siya crew, Baxter’s future at Chiefs is uncertain and Arthur Zwane had been earmarked has his successor, in the event that the Englishman does leave.

McCarthy’s name has since entered into the mix at Naturena, with one source explaining that the coach would be open to the position, should an official offer be tabled. And indications are that it will depend on Amakhosi’s decision on Baxter, and whether they will opt for one of their own, in Zwane, or bring in a new face.

Usuthu have since appointed Brandon Truter as an interim coach, which does suggest that the KZN side are keeping their options open. Or they want Truter to prove himself before making the position permanent, or they are waiting to see what transpires with Baxter at Naturena, which could dictate McCarthy’s short-term future.

Two independent sources have indicated that a move to Chiefs’ cross-city rivals is unlikely at this point in time, despite a number of legends and supporters throwing their weight behind it.

McCarthy is well respected within the Orlando Pirates camp, though questions have been posed about his outspoken nature.

Mamelodi Sundowns is a ‘club that has the resources that can match his ambitions’, but the timing is not right. Siya sources have indicated that Sundowns and McCarthy have had informal discussions in the past, but the Chloorkopbased side are currently experiencing a rich vein of form and the will not want to make any changes to their winning formula.

In addition, there have been local reports indicating that SuperSport United are keen on McCarthy – however, insiders have indicated that the hierarchy is happy with Kaitano Tembo and, unless there is drastic change in their form, they will not make any changes at the helm. Should that change, then you can expect McCarthy to become an option.

On the back of Rob Moore’s comments, at the present moment, Chiefs could be the only viable option. That, however, will depend on Baxter’s future and if the Soweto giants do take their interest further and table an official offer.