Columbus Rapids new coach Rafique Hassim explains why South African-born Australian midfielder Kearyn Baccus failed to impress at Kaizer Chiefs.
Baccus was one of the many players that were shown the exit by the club as they were rebuilding the team under the leadership of Arthur Zwane.
The 31-year-old Baccus linked with the Soweto giants in 2019/20 season from Melbourne City.
Expectations on him were high to hit the ground running and deliver.
HASSIM EXPLAINS
“Being away from home is hard, yes he’s South African, but he has spent so many years in Australia, so going back you are away from home,” Hassim told FARPost.
“There is no time to settle, the expectation is great at home can settle down very easy.
“It takes time to adjust like Abram Majok a player from AmaZulu, so him as foreigner going to another country takes time.
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Chiefs is scheduled to part ways with Kearyn Baccus at the end of June. The SA-born midfielder grew up in Australia before returning home to play for Chiefs in June 2019. He appeared in 53 matches with two goals in his three seasons.
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“I was happy for him to go back home and go to a club like Kaizer Chiefs, but unfortunately he’s gone again. I do think he’s a talented player.”
Despite being offloaded by Chiefs, Hassim believes the midfielder is still a good player who can peak and play his best football.
“He’s a good player, I never doubted his ability. I don’t think he played to his peak or up to the expectations, but he’s a top player,” Hassim added.
In three seasons he spent with the Naturena outfit, Baccus was a regular. He made over 53 appearances for the club.
He can close twice to winning a trophy with the club. Chiefs lost the 2019/20 DStv Premiership to Mamelodi Sundowns on the last day and the 2021 CAF Champions League to Al Ahly in thr final.
