“The lads did well in the second half,” reflects Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter on last night’s (Wednesday’s) 1-1 draw against Moroka Swallows. “However, the result was correct. We didn’t deserve to win.”

“The first twenty minutes were not good,” he continuous. “We didn’t put enough pressure on the opponent. And that was disappointing, because the start of a match is always crucial. That’s when you want to get on the front foot.”

“On the other hand, Swallows did well, scoring the opening goal in the first half. We changed some things at the break. We worked hard and showed character during the second phase, although we did elaborate a bit too much on the ball. I would have loved to have won this game, but I still find enough positive aspects to be happy with, despite losing two points.”

The Amakhosi were on a 13-game win streak (eight Absa Premiership games, four MTN8 matches and one Telkom Knockout encounter) this season before last night’s match at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium.

Baxter reacts: “Look, when we started pre-season, nobody expected any records. We just wanted to create an identity in the way we played. What we wanted to incorporate was that ‘child’ in the African player, the on-the-ball creativity. Of course, within a certain structured scheme. Our winning run has now come to an end, but I am not worried about that.”

Several players are out injured at the moment, including George Maluleka who has been showing terrific form so far this season. “You can wish your life away,” answers Baxter. “I could have wished Itumeleng Khune to play, I could have wished Maluleka to play… I would have wished Messi plays for Chiefs… But that’s not how football works. Maluleka tore his groin in last Sunday’s match against Ajax Cape Town. However, Bernard Parker, who missed the last two matches due to injury, will be back on Sunday. He was actually ready to play tonight, but I didn’t want to rush him.”

Chiefs are now on 25 points from nine games, still comfortably heading the Absa Premiership log. Ajax Cape Town occupy second position with 17 points (from nine matches).

On Sunday, the Amakhosi will host Platinum Stars in a Telkom Knockout clash at the FNB Stadium on Sunday, 26 October 2014 (kick-off at 3pm).