KAIZER Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter praised his players for the focus they have shown since the start of the season, culminating in Saturday night's 1-0 MTN8 final victory against Orlando Pirates.
Chiefs earned their third trophy under Baxter in his 100th game, following Amakhosi's league and Nedbank Cup double in 2012-2013 season. So far, the Phefeni Glamour Boys have played their best football yet in the coach's third season to go to a 10-match winning start to the 2014-15 season.
"We saw a quote last year from Vincent Kompany when Manchester City took back their title," Baxter said. "He said, 'When we came back we just tried to focus on being better than last year.' And we used that quote at the beginning of the season. We identified things we said we could do 5% better, then that's what we did.
"People became aware of our transitions. Our possession game when we don't have an ability to make a quick transition has improved," Baxter said.
"Our movement around the box has improved. It's a big credit to our players because they've shown the steely mentality."
Tefu Mashamaite scored a 29th-minute headed goal from a free-kick, while keeper Brilliant Khuzwayo pulled off a string of saves to become man of the match.
Baxter does not believe Chiefs have peaked too early. In fact, the coach does not think Amakhosi have peaked at all. Asked how much his side can get better, the coach said: "Honestly, much better".
"Brilliant was right - his performance is now history. And that has to be the mentality of the whole team. We're not perfect - not by a long way. But we are doing a few things right and we're making sure we're difficult to play against."
Khuzwayo was in for injured captain Itumeleng Khune. "My coach told me, 'he who dares will succeed. So anything you do, do it with full potential'," the former SA under-23 international said.
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'We're not there yet' - Baxter says Chiefs are yet to peak
KAIZER Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter praised his players for the focus they have shown since the start of the season, culminating in Saturday night's 1-0 MTN8 final victory against Orlando Pirates.
Chiefs earned their third trophy under Baxter in his 100th game, following Amakhosi's league and Nedbank Cup double in 2012-2013 season. So far, the Phefeni Glamour Boys have played their best football yet in the coach's third season to go to a 10-match winning start to the 2014-15 season.
"We saw a quote last year from Vincent Kompany when Manchester City took back their title," Baxter said. "He said, 'When we came back we just tried to focus on being better than last year.' And we used that quote at the beginning of the season. We identified things we said we could do 5% better, then that's what we did.
"People became aware of our transitions. Our possession game when we don't have an ability to make a quick transition has improved," Baxter said.
"Our movement around the box has improved. It's a big credit to our players because they've shown the steely mentality."
Tefu Mashamaite scored a 29th-minute headed goal from a free-kick, while keeper Brilliant Khuzwayo pulled off a string of saves to become man of the match.
Baxter does not believe Chiefs have peaked too early. In fact, the coach does not think Amakhosi have peaked at all. Asked how much his side can get better, the coach said: "Honestly, much better".
"Brilliant was right - his performance is now history. And that has to be the mentality of the whole team. We're not perfect - not by a long way. But we are doing a few things right and we're making sure we're difficult to play against."
Khuzwayo was in for injured captain Itumeleng Khune. "My coach told me, 'he who dares will succeed. So anything you do, do it with full potential'," the former SA under-23 international said.
l See Page 26
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