Johannesburg – Despite clinching the Premiership title with three games to go, Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter says his players will only celebrate after the final game of the season.
Chiefs dispatched a resilient Polokwane City 4-1 at FNB Stadium to move to 63 points to hand the AmaKhosi league honours.
“The season is not finished for us,” said Baxter.
“I told the guys in the dressing room, they’ve got three big games left to play. If anybody is not professional enough to hold the celebrations until the end of the season maybe they shouldn’t be at a club like Kaizer Chiefs.”
The current record for a 30-game league season stands at 65 points – achieved by Mamelodi Sundowns last season – a mark Chiefs would be expected to pass with ease.
“I’m delighted for the players, but the champagne will be on ice at least for the players.
“That doesn’t stretch to the staff, but we’ll keep ourselves on an even keel and make sure we finish off the season in the best possible way.”
Regardless of when the all-out celebrations are held, Baxter was proud of what his side had achieved.
“Obviously it’s a good night for Kaizer Chiefs. Whether you look at the result, the performance or where we are in the table and everyone connected to the club.”
Polokwane are third in the goals scored column in the league with 38 strikes, and Baxter was aware of the challenge his opposition posed ahead of the encounter.
“I’m really pleased the players worked so hard and came away with a convincing victory.
“[Coach] Kosta Papic has been working with more meagre means than me and produced a fine team.”
Chiefs could have gone behind early, but weathered the storm from Polokwane before the Soweto side began finding the back of the net.
“The boys played well, they opened nervously. We know Polokwane are a good side, Kosta has produced a good side, they always want to play football. They have a definite way they want to play. They knew we would be a bit nervous so they played in a certain way.”
Tefu Mashamaite played in every minute of Chiefs’ successful campaign and was similarly proud of his side’s achievements.
“We knew we had an opportunity to clinch it tonight,” said Mashamaite.
“We went for it, like the coach said we opened nervously but I’m just happy we were able to defend against them.
“Going 19 games without being beaten, it was a good season for us. It’s a great achievement.”
Chiefs had been particularly strong at home this season, with no defeats on home soil. Premier Soccer League CEO Brand de Villiers said Chiefs had been impressive the entire season.
“We would like to congratulate 2014/15 Absa Premiership champions Kaizer Chiefs for a sterling performance this season,” said De Villiers.
“We would like to congratulate the club chairman Mr Kaizer Motaung, club management, coach Stuart Baxter, the players and the club supporters following their success in the Absa Premiership this season. Kaizer Chiefs have earned this achievement after leading the Absa Premiership long standings from day one of the 2014/15 campaign.” – ANA