Kaizer Chiefs' efficiency and focus against opposition big and small, displayed again in their 2-0 Premiership win against Chippa United at Soccer City on Saturday night, could be a strength in their title challenge, says coach Stuart Baxter.
Chippa had come into the game unbeaten in their three matches under Roger Sikhakhane, who returned to the team after Manqoba Mngqithi was fired as coach after just two games.
Baxter gave his team a pep talk during the week about complacency, and Amakhosi were clearly focused against Chippa, though also calm and measured. The one blemish was poor finishing, as Chiefs could have won by far more.
"I'm pleased with the three points, I'm pleased with the application of the players," Baxter said. "When you're playing a team that's defending resolutely you've got to play with patience, but at the same time take every opportunity to try and penetrate. I think the players did a very good job."
Baxter said his unbeaten log leaders would try to keep showing focus against the smaller name teams.
"In the dressing room before the game we said that every team demands the same level of respect. Instead of us overestimating or underestimating, let's concentrate on having pride in our own performance.
"If you underestimate someone then you don't have pride in your performance because you're allowing yourself to drop down. So I said win, lose or draw, as long as we have respect for each other and play to the best of our ability, I'll back the team."
Lehlohonolo Majoro scored from the bench for the second match running, and Baxter said the striker appears hungry for more game time.
"Maybe he had a couple of days when his disappointment at not playing prevented him from working 100%, and we told him that and he reacted well.
"Whenever he's been called upon he's done well and he's scored two goals now.
"Sometimes that little extra adrenaline, that being out if the team gives, is maybe a positive. Majoro has reacted in the right way.
"We work a lot on movement and timing, and he's quite sharp at the moment."
Majoro comes off bench again, to help sink Chippa
Kaizer Chiefs' efficiency and focus against opposition big and small, displayed again in their 2-0 Premiership win against Chippa United at Soccer City on Saturday night, could be a strength in their title challenge, says coach Stuart Baxter.
Chippa had come into the game unbeaten in their three matches under Roger Sikhakhane, who returned to the team after Manqoba Mngqithi was fired as coach after just two games.
Baxter gave his team a pep talk during the week about complacency, and Amakhosi were clearly focused against Chippa, though also calm and measured. The one blemish was poor finishing, as Chiefs could have won by far more.
"I'm pleased with the three points, I'm pleased with the application of the players," Baxter said. "When you're playing a team that's defending resolutely you've got to play with patience, but at the same time take every opportunity to try and penetrate. I think the players did a very good job."
Baxter said his unbeaten log leaders would try to keep showing focus against the smaller name teams.
"In the dressing room before the game we said that every team demands the same level of respect. Instead of us overestimating or underestimating, let's concentrate on having pride in our own performance.
"If you underestimate someone then you don't have pride in your performance because you're allowing yourself to drop down. So I said win, lose or draw, as long as we have respect for each other and play to the best of our ability, I'll back the team."
Lehlohonolo Majoro scored from the bench for the second match running, and Baxter said the striker appears hungry for more game time.
"Maybe he had a couple of days when his disappointment at not playing prevented him from working 100%, and we told him that and he reacted well.
"Whenever he's been called upon he's done well and he's scored two goals now.
"Sometimes that little extra adrenaline, that being out if the team gives, is maybe a positive. Majoro has reacted in the right way.
"We work a lot on movement and timing, and he's quite sharp at the moment."
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