Kaizer Chiefs coach thrilled with the team’s progress

Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter has admitted that his team are not yet the finished article but feels they are progressing well.

With a short pre-season, Baxter feels that Kaizer Chiefs are ahead of where they expected to be, even if they aren’t quite firing on all cylinders just yet.

Kaizer Chiefs coach lauds progress

Baxter feels that the players are pulling together and have used their limited time in training well.

 I think we’ve only really worked with this group since after the [Champions League] final,” the coach replied.

“So I think the players are further on than I thought they would be. And we’ll keep on pushing, of course.

“But this is not instant coffee, you know — we’ve got to make it.”

Baxter was pleased with how the team fought back from two goals down to force penalties in their MTN 8 quarterfinal but was understandably disappointed with how they started that match.

“Again, I think there’s been more than I really thought we would get. Because at times against Pirates, in the first half a bit, but mostly in the second half, our movement around the box was better, our possession was better,” he said.

“Not only on transitions but also in longer ones [build-ups] where we’ve got to pick our way through a bit.

“I thought against Sundowns we started poorly. I don’t think anybody was up to scratch.

“But then suddenly we kicked in and got back from 2-0 down — against Sundowns, and under a lot of pressure. We could have folded — so that was pleasing.

“So I wouldn’t say we’re anywhere near where I want to be, but I would say that … let’s say the seeds have started to give some sprouts, I’ve not seen them in beautiful trees yet.”

Kaizer Chiefs open their DStv Premiership campaign against TS Galaxy at the Mbombela Stadium on Sunday.

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