“Both teams were poor during the first half,” reflected Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter after the 2-0 win over Orlando Pirates on Saturday afternoon.

“We changed a few things at halftime. For example, I asked Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Siphiwe Tshabalala to play closer to the strikers up-front. Also, we played too straight during the first 45 minutes and we needed to use the wide areas more.”

Chiefs two goals both came from balls arriving from the flank, from the right to be exact. First it was Bernard Parker’s cross that found Siphiwe Tshabalala, while George Lebese supplied the cross for Siphelele Mthembu’s goal. Reneilwe Letsholonyane could even have scored another goal if he had tapped in a well-weighted cross from, again, Parker.

“I am happy with the goal scoring opportunities we created in the second half,” Baxter continued. “Especially during the first 20 to 25 minutes we really played very well. It’s not easy to score twice in a Derby, but we did and I am pleased with that, naturally.”

Baxter also had some kind words for the Amakhosi fans, who turned up in large numbers for the game: “My thanks must also go to the supporters who were superb, backing the team vocally. That was really fantastic.” It was clear for all to see that most of the about 71.000 spectators were backing Chiefs, despite this being Pirates’ home match.

“Good football teams are balanced,” Baxter reacted to a question about the progress the team has made in recent years.

“During my first season, we did well in the transition from defence to attack. We won the league title. Last year, however, the opponents started to defend in large numbers against us.”

“As a result, we needed to find ways to get through, which was not easy. Also, we got caught a few times when the opponent counter-attacked. So we needed to adapt and with this we have been succeeding so far this season.

Our movement is better, our passing is better and because of that, we are able to penetrate the opponent’s defences to create chances. Yes, people will say that we waste too many opportunities. However, again, I am happy with the chances we create, because if you don’t create goal scoring opportunities, you can’t score.”

The Amakhosi are doing well, with 36 points from 14 games, with supporters already talking about the Chiefs Gautrain. How long can this form keep going? “By telling the players every day at training to keep grounded,” Baxter reacted with a twinkle in his eye.