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Baxter finds new home in India

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Bafana Bafana head coach Stuart Baxter

Former Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter has been appointed as the new coach of Indian Super League (ISL) side Odisha FC.

The 66-year-old has been without a job since late last year when he resigned as head coach of the South African national team.

Baxter has also been linked with a return to Amakhosi but has since joined Odisha FC after signing a two-year contract with the ISL outfit.

Founder and CEO of Odisha Dr Anil Sharma had this to say on Baxter’s appointment: ‘I am delighted to welcome coach Stuart Baxter to Odisha FC! We conducted an extensive global search for a coach that matched our vision for the next phase of OFC.

‘We are excited that Stuart is both motivated and experienced to create a championship club, develop our Indian starlets into national team players, and strengthen our youth academy, in order to have a consistent inflow of talent into OFC.

‘I am sure the fans and the Odia community will be pleased with our decision and welcome Coach Stuart to Odisha with open arms. I wish him good health and the very best of luck for a highly successful stay at Odisha FC.’

Meanwhile, Baxter expressed his delight at joining the ISL side: ‘I’m pleased to say that Odisha FC and I have reached an agreement for the upcoming ISL season.

‘The vision of the Sharma family for the club representing the sporting state of Odisha is an exciting one with development, teamwork and cooperation with our stakeholders serving as cornerstones for the task ahead.

‘I’m looking forward to the challenge of Indian football and the opportunity to develop players and coaches in India. I’d like to wish all the supporters, players and staff good health during these testing times.

‘Together we will bring joy and success to the region.’