Baxter feels the heat at the top

STUART Baxter has been reminded too often already this season that the Absa Premiership is a marathon, not a sprint.

But the Kaizer Chiefs coach is not fazed, saying he has faith in his squad, who he says have improved tremendously since he took over at the start of the season.

Amakhosi take on AmaZulu at Soccer City tonight aiming to end the year on a high by keeping their place at the top of the Premier League standing.

Baxter admitted after Chiefs were held to a 1-1 draw by rookies AmaTuks that he would have laughed off suggestions that his side would be on top at the halfway mark of the season.

Chiefs were in need of a motivator following a barren 2011-2012 season under Vladimir Vermezovic, and Baxter, a former Bafana coach, expected it would take a while before Amakhosi held their heads high again.

"There is a lot of work that has been done and credit should go to the players for such a wonderful job," he said ahead of tonight's clash.

"If you had told me at the beginning of the season that we would finish the first round in the first position, I would have probably laughed at you. We know there is still a long way to go but this is positive."

Chiefs are not quite comfortable at the top. Having shared the spoils with Pretoria University at the weekend, defending champions Orlando Pirates and Platinum Stars now trail Amakhosi by just one point after 15 matches.

And Baxter is also feeling the pressure of being at the top.

"There's pressure obviously, because it is always easier being the hunter rather than the hunted. And that's part of the game. We have all got to deal with that," the coach said.

"We have played very well in every game this season, but we have had periods [in which] we have not been able to keep the momentum. So we are looking to go for more consistency."

Baxter indicated that Chiefs would have to focus again on maximum points and compound AmaZulu's woes at the bottom of the Premiership league table.

AmaZulu have yet to win under new coach Craig Rosslee. Getting his first victory against table-toppers Chiefs would be a huge boost.

After tonight's match, both teams will return to action only on February 12 because of the Africa Cup of Nations. The PSL has agreed to postpone its fixtures to allow football focus to be on the Afcon tournament.

In the only other game tonight, AmaTuks need one final effort, to seal what has been a memorable debut in the Premiership when they face Maritzburg United.

While most PSL newcomers place their focus on surviving relegation, the Pretoria University side have dared to dream of finishing the season higher.

After at one stage finding themselves among the top three of the league table - seats often reserved for wealthier and more established clubs - AmaTuks can be excused for dreaming. - Additional reporting by Sbu Mjikeliso