Chiefs to soldier on without Baxter

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - MAY 04: Stuart Baxter of Chiefs gets send off by referee Victor Gomes during the Nedbank Cup Semi Final match between Kaizer Chiefs and United FC at FNB Stadium on May 04, 2013 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Duif du Toit/Gallo Images)

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - MAY 04: Stuart Baxter of Chiefs gets send off by referee Victor Gomes during the Nedbank Cup Semi Final match between Kaizer Chiefs and United FC at FNB Stadium on May 04, 2013 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Duif du Toit/Gallo Images)

Published May 5, 2013

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Johannesburg – The absence of Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter for their next two matches will not affect the title ambitions of the Soweto giants, according to striker Lehlohonolo Majoro.

Baxter was shown a red card in the dying stages of their victory over United FC at FNB Stadium on Saturday night, for abusive comments towards an assistant referee. The Premier Soccer League confirmed he would watch Chiefs' next two games from the stands.

Amakhosi secured a 2-1 win to book their place in the Nedbank Cup final as the league leaders remained on course for a trophy double.

“Our preparation at training will still be the same,” said Majoro, who was named Man of the Match.

“We already know what is expected, with him not being on the bench, and that's why we have our assistant coach Doctor Khumalo.

“Once it comes to the game it's up to the players. As players we have to be man enough and professional enough to step up.”

With Baxter barred from attending the post-match media conference, Khumalo said Chiefs remained cautious about their chances of securing silverware.

“We managed to get through to the final, but the only time we will rest is after we have played against Tuks (in the last league match of the season),” Khumalo said.

“At the moment we still have a lot to do and will not rest on our laurels with the league. We will still be working hard.”

United coach Dan Malesela admitted his side, the only First Division outfit in the last four of the knockout competition, were guilty of stage fright against the in-form Soweto side.

“The goals were – credit must go to Chiefs – a product of some good build-ups,” said Malesela.

“There was a contribution of stage fright from our boys. When you score that easily, something must be wrong somewhere.”

United fell 2-0 behind midway through the first half, with Majoro and George Lebese finding the back of the net, but they put in a better display in the second period and Walter Maponyane converted a consolation goal from the penalty spot with nine minutes remaining.

“We started off badly. The boys were jittery,” said Malesela.

“When you play a big team like Chiefs, you are bound to be scared, and it showed in the game.

“It's a learning process and I'm okay with it.” – Sapa

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