KAIZER Chiefs unveiled new coach Stuart Baxter at a function in south Johannesburg yesterday - and a mannequin of central defender Eric Mathoho.

Chiefs have been trying for weeks to nail down the signature of the Bloemfontein Celtic player, but interest from Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns has held up the process.

In the absence of the player when Amakhosi introduced new signings Morgan Gould, Siyabonga Nkosi, Siboniso Gaxa, Sakhile Hlongwa and Khotso Moleko, Chiefs could produce only a jersey that read "Mathoho 3".

Mathoho's mannequin was not available for interviews.

Chiefs' marketing director Jessica Motaung confirmed the club had not yet finalised a deal for "Tower" to come to Naturena.

"We are working on a deal. We have agreed terms with the player and we are confident we will finalise a deal for the player to be earning this jersey," Motaung said.

"If you look at it, we are the ones who have been in the forefront, and one of the great things is the player is clear and confident that he wants to be at Kaizer Chiefs."

Motaung was asked if it was wise to introduce a player before a deal with the club had been concluded.

"I'm introducing a jersey, and not a player," she replied.

"It's the potential of something that we are aiming for. Sometimes in the universe you have to put it out there to get it."