Baxter’s focus now on PSL title

Baxter’s Chiefs crashed out of the Caf Champions League competition on a 3-2 aggregate loss to Democratic Republic of Congo side AS Vita Club.

To add to Baxter’s woes, their lead on top of the Absa Premieship standings is in tatters after Mamelodi Sundowns caught up with them on 46 points on Sunday.

But Baxter said his team was never worried about how Sundowns were doing as they prepare to pull three points clear of Downs when they face Golden Arrows at home tomorrow night.

“Sundowns performance has no effect on our plans,” he said.

“Sundowns drawing or losing doesn’t affect us. We have our job to do.

“We try to win every game we play.”

Apart from leaving the stadium in a foul mood because of poor officiating, injuries to goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse and Knowledge Musona further dampened Baxter’s mood.
Kingston Nkhatha and Bernard Parker have not been at their best lately and Musona’s absence may hamper their firepower.

Musona scored in the 2-0 victory over AS Vita on Saturday night and missed another one-on-one opportunity, but his trickery makes a difference in Chiefs’ attack.

Matthew Rusike is expected to fill in for Musona, but the former Jomo Cosmos midfielder has not looked solid when in possession, though he is expected to start against Arrows.

Pieterse may play tomorrow when they take on bottom-of-the-table side Arrows, while Musona remains in doubt.

This game is one which Amakhosi plan to use to restore their lead over Sundowns in the title race.

As it is, Chiefs remain on top through their superior goal difference.

Perhaps, Saturday’s showdown against Sundowns at the Nasrec venue may, after all, decide whether this season’s PSL title heads to Naturena or Chloorkop.

But for Chiefs to head into the clash against Sundowns brimming with confidence, they need to overcome Arrows, who are fighting for their survival.