Derby gloss restored

The Soweto derby has been getting its gloss back, said Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter after his side could not beat Orlando Pirates in a goalless draw at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

Baxter acknowledged a 0-0 draw might not have been the result supporters were hoping for, but praised both sides for a more adventurous approach than normal in a second half played at a cracking pace, where the teams attacked each other with purpose.

"When I first came to Chiefs we had a couple of derbies I thought were very nondescript. Maybe the hype contributed to the players freezing a bit. But I certainly think the players today, and in the last few derbies, have been getting much better," Baxter said.

"This was a 0-0, and everybody's going to say, 'Ah, not another draw'. But it was a very exciting 0-0. I think the supporters of probably both clubs are going to go home with something to take out of it. And I think if we continue in this way the derby will not lose its gloss. It might have been risky doing that, but I think both clubs should be applauded for it."

Chiefs edged the chances on the balance of play and both sides struck the post in the second half.

Baxter said the nature of the second 45 minutes at times gave both coaches nightmares.

"You're playing against a very good team and against local rivals in the derby, and of course both teams went for it. You could see that both teams were taking chances at the end and going for three points," the coach said.

"Pirates settled early - we were a little on the back foot. So I think they edged the first half.

"The second half we changed some things and came out really strong. The first 20 minutes we were on top. And we needed to score there."

Chiefs next meet Maritzburg United at Harry Gwala Stadium on Wednesday.