Johannesburg – Kaizer Chiefs resume their title defence against Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Stadium on Thursday, and coach Stuart Baxter refuses to call the match a title decider.
“I have not heard of a title decided in the middle of the season, but if people like to hype the game it’s okay. That’s what makes it interesting,” said the Amakhosi coach.
“If Sundowns beat us, they will potentially be level with us and if we win then we go a couple of wins clear of them.
“A title decider? It will not be, but what it can be is a game that gives momentum to us if we win.”
Chiefs are currently on 30 points and Sundowns are on 25 points, a win for the Brazilians will see them reduce the gap to just two points with a game in hand.
The Chiefs mentor believed the only way to tell if the December break did harm or good to his charges, was how they would turn out on the pitch.
“It's difficult to know until you have played your games,” he said.
“You look at it in two different ways, you look at it as rest and also as a break in your rhythm but only time will tell.
“It’s a similar situation for all teams in the league, we all have had stop-starts with Telkom Knockout, MTN8, national team and Chan.”
Despite the away fixture, Baxter said they would not be intimidated by Sundowns.
“Every game is three points whether its home or away, Sundowns , Golden Arrows or whoever we play.
“Three points are always welcome and taking them against your title rivals is even more important, as it will give more confidence to us.” – Sapa