Kambole brings something different to our attack, says Chiefs’ Baxter

There’s an old adage, “don’t kick a man when he’s down”. That’s something Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter seemingly understands as he sets out to get the best out of Zambian striker Lazarous Kambole who has struggled to make any impact at Naturena. 

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Kambole signed for Amakhosi under much fanfare some three years ago after he had been a top goalscorer in Zambia but he has yet to make an impact at the Naturena-based side. 

Kambole scored his second goal in the Amakhosi colours on Saturday in their 4-0 thrashing of Chippa United in a DStv Premiership match. Baxter says they have figured out how they could best use him. 

“What is more important for us is that he had a good week of training,” said Baxter when asked about what the goal could mean for the striker. 

“I don’t think Laz is the same type of striker as Bernard Parker and Khama Billiat. He is not the same, he is the one who works in behind the back four. We have got to know him and use him to do that. It is important for him to start timing his movements and know when to go and link with others. 

“He had a good week and I spoke to him before the game and I said you are going to go in tonight and you will go in there with confidence, and he went on and he was confident. 

“And the goal should be a big thing for him because he can now draw a line in the sand and from there he can kick on. We will see where that leads us.”

Baxter was happy with his team’s application on the night as they seemed to get everything right and also used their chances for a change. 

“Both teams realised that this was an important game to gain momentum and get something. Both were a little edgy. We were okay. 

“We made some tactical mistakes but we got better and better after the goal came. It was a good goal and it calmed us and we were in command after that. 

“Our movement at times around the box was excellent. The goals came and we changed a few defensive things at halftime… If we had been sharper and not over-elaborative there could have been more goals. But pleased with the result and the character shown by the players, especially (Keagan) Dolly.”

Dolly scored a brace and the other goal was netted by Billiat as Amakhosi went rampant against their former coach Gavin Hunt.