Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter has provided some clarity on the situation pertaining to Dumisani Zuma at the club.
Zuma has recently returned to training with Chiefs after serving a suspension from all football activities at the club.
Zuma had previously been suspended
Zuma was embroiled in an alleged drunk driving case which then saw him making headlines for all the wrong reasons. After seeing all the reports about the incident, Chiefs were then also swift in putting out a statement. In that statement, the club confirmed that they would do their own independent investigation on the matter.
Chiefs would then put up a follow up statement not too long after, stating they would be suspending Zuma. The fan favourite had then found himself frozen out of the club for several months after that situation. The player is yet to play this season due to a combination of a long-term injury, as well as the disciplinary issues.
He returned to training at the start of the year
Zuma has since been pictured back in first team training with the club, which was something that excited its fans. There still remained a bit of confusion, however, as to whether or not his situation had been resolved. Furthermore, there were rumours that he was one of the players Chiefs had waged to Amazulu in a swap-deal offer for the services of midfielder Siyethemba Sithebe.
Now in an exclusive conversation with The South African News Chiefs coach Baxter first sought to clarify what the future holds for Zuma at the club.
Baxter explains Zuma’s situation
“Well I can’t tell you if any of the Kaizer Chiefs players will appear in a Kaizer Chiefs jersey (again) Zuma has had his problems and we have helped him about those problems.” We continue to help him, he has improved, he is getting fit and has appeared in a couple practice games for us.” Baxter said.
When quizzed on what Zuma had to do, to get back playing for Chiefs again, the veteran British mentor mentioned that the ball is in his court.
What can Zuma do to win back his place in the Chiefs matchday squad?
“We continue to help him, he has improved, he is getting fit and has appeared in a couple practice games for us. So It’s partly up to Zuma himself, we will continue to do whatever we can, but it is an ongoing process”. Baxter concluded.
Chiefs have the likes of Samir Nurkovic also set to return alongside Zuma, Khama Billiat, Keagan Dolly, Leonardo Castro, Kgaogelo Sekgota, Lazarous Kambole, Bernard Parker. Add to that list the return of young striker Keletso Sifama who just recently returned from his loan spell at Pretoria Callies and the club look to be in top shape upfront going into the second half of the season.