Stuart Baxter explains the possible ‘role’ fans played in Kaizer Chiefs shock Nedbank Cup loss

Kaizer Chiefs are set to go seven seasons without a trophy, after losing 1-0 to TS Galaxy in the Nedbank Cup on Saturday.

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The round of 32 loss sees a bit of history repeated with Galaxy upsetting Chiefs for the second time in the Nedbank Cup. 

Memories of 2019

The previous occasion saw Galaxy send shockwaves through the South African football fraternity when they beat Chiefs, who are overwhelming favourites, to the 2019 Nedbank Cup trophy. The score on that evening was also 1-0, with current Orlando Pirates striker Zakhele Lepasa scoring a last minute penalty to clinch the trophy for the then GladAfrica Championship side.

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It proved to be a case of de ja vu for Chiefs when Galaxy again knocked them out of the Nedbank Cup this season. That loss meant that Amakhosi have now been knocked out of the last 32 round of this tournament two seasons in a row. Last season, they lost at home to GladAfrica Championship side Richards Bay United with a 2-1 scoreline. 

Galaxy through to the next round

It was Agustine Kwem’s first goal for Galaxy that was responsible for knocking Chiefs out this time around, and coach Stuart Baxter predictably not impressed by his charges.  Speaking to Supersport TV, the veteran British mentor said that the fans may have had their role to play in affecting their loss. 

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“The fans will be as disappointed as I am, they know what this would me for us (Chiefs) tonight. Maybe that’s part of the reason we didn’t fire on all cylinders, the players also realize and there was a bit of anxiety there. For the fans? We want them back in here, because they’re our club, they’re the ones who drive us. We have great fans, and our fans are an extra player so this is not what we wanted, this is not what they wanted, but together we have to push on” said Baxter 

Chiefs fans running out of patience?

If social media is anything to go by, Chiefs supporters are far from being on the side of Baxter, with his team selections constantly a point of discontentment. He will all but end the season trophy less which will heap massive pressure on him. Will he still be Chiefs coach next season?