Baxter defends Komphela as he takes aim at Chiefs

18 February 2016 - 02:36 By Tshepang Mailwane

Taking over from Stuart Baxter at Kaizer Chiefs was always going to be difficult, but Steve Komphela is doing a "fair" job at Naturena. This is according to Baxter, who comes up against Komphela on Saturday night, when his new club, SuperSport United, take on Amakhosi at Cape Town Stadium.Komphela needs to outsmart Baxter to make sure Chiefs do not fall further behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have a 10-point lead over fourth-placed Amakhosi.Baxter gave his assessment of Komphela's season so far, which includes two Cup Final defeats."It's a difficult job. I am not blowing my own trumpet by saying that we had three good years. The club got some silverware. That's never an easy job," said Baxter, who is one of Amakhosi's most successful coaches in the PSL era."So Steve comes in and every time they drop a point it's not good enough. Look at the bigger picture and Steve has manned up for me."Baxter says he is impressed by Chiefs defender Lorenzo Gordinho, a player he promoted to the first team when he was coach there."Lorenzo was thrown in the deep end and all credit must go to him. He has done a fine job."SuperSport registered their first victory under Baxter on Sunday by beating University of Pretoria 2-0.After the match Baxter called for consistency and victory over Amakhosi would motivate them to go on a winning streak to move into the top eight...

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.