Baxter happy with Chiefs squad

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 24: Stuart Baxter and his bench during the MTN 8 Semi Final second leg match between Kaizer Chiefs and Platinum Stars at FNB Stadium on August 24, 2014 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 24: Stuart Baxter and his bench during the MTN 8 Semi Final second leg match between Kaizer Chiefs and Platinum Stars at FNB Stadium on August 24, 2014 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)

Published Aug 26, 2014

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Stuart Baxter does not feel Kaizer Chiefs are under pressure to sign more players before transfer deadline this week, despite the club’s failure to acquire the services of Knowledge Musona, who was one of their key players while on loan from German club Hoffenheim last season.

The PSL transfer window closes this Friday at 5pm, and while he admits to have monitored the progress of some players Amakhosi could sign to bolster the squad, Baxter says he is likely to rely on his group of players who have won all the matches they have played so far this season for success. With Siphiwe Tshabalala back from injury and last season’s top scorer Bernard Parker also expected to make a return in a couple of weeks, the Amakhosi coach seems content.

“We have monitored some players. If we get something that we like at the right price I’m sure we will be interested. You could also put your wallet in the back pocket and hang on because you think the lads that are there deserve to show that they can kick on with this,” Baxter said.

“We would have loved to bring in Knowledge because he settled in last season and became a very important member of this squad. But you have to ask yourself somewhere along the line if it is good business. I just accept whatever the decision the club makes. I will work with the players I have. I don’t want to get into the habit of trying to solve our problems with the cheque-book. I really want to use the players at my disposal,” said Baxter, who was happy to bring Tshabalala on as a second half substitute in the 3-0 victory over Platinum Stars in the MTN8 semi-final second leg on Sunday.

“Shabba (Tshabalala) is obviously very important for us. He was happy to be on the bench and he had a good attitude. I don’t think Shabba in his wildest dreams thought he would just walk back into the team. I thought he did a good job today, so I am very pleased that he has some minutes under his belt. That makes him selectable again.”

Chiefs were in cruise control mode as they booted defending MTN8 champions Stars out of the competition and have now set up a clash in the final with Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates, who knocked out Bidvest Wits. Supporters of both clubs are hoping for a cracking match to put the memories of the tedious derbies witnessed recently behind them.

Chiefs midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane, meanwhile, was named Man of the Match against Stars after scoring yet again this season. The player has started the campaign on a high, but has been left out of Shakes Mashaba’s Bafana Bafana squad, which the coach selected with Safa’s “Vision 2022” in mind.

That could mean older players such as Letsholonyane no longer have a place in the national team, but he has no hard feelings. “Firstly I would like to congratulate the guys who are in the team to represent the country. The squad is balanced, with experienced players and young players. I think it’s a fair squad.”

The 32-year-old added: “I have always said that if I get a chance to represent my country, I will do that. If I don’t, then it’s still fine because my primary job is to represent Kaizer Chiefs and to do well for my club. I am doing well at the moment and I am happy.” The Star

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