“We lacked venom in the first half,” Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter reflects about the 1-0 win over Chippa United on Saturday evening. “It was a bit of a tired, lacklustre performance. Maybe the heavy Absa Premiership schedule is taking its toll.”

“In the second half, however, we had more shape. We scored a goal, missed a few chances to score the second and then, towards the end of the match, Chippa went for broke, trying to attack in full force. But we defended bravely. We can play better than we did in the second half. On the other hand, it was much better than the first 45 minutes. I am happy with the result.”

There were also some minus points to the game. Willard Katsande, for example, had to leave the field with a muscle injury just under the stomach. It means that the Zimbabwean midfielder will probably miss the last two Absa Premiership matches this year.

Ivan Bukenya was Katsande’s replacement, doing well. “It was a steady performance from Ivan,” admits Baxter. “We slightly changed the tactical formation after he came on, playing in a diamond in the middle after he came on, basically to give him some assistance.”

The Amakhosi coach was, however, less happy with some sections of the crowd at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polekwane. “I don’t like it when our own supporters boo one of our own players, because he mistakes a mistake.

Arsenal’s coach Arsène Wenger once said: “The word supporters has not for nothing SUPPORT in it. It means that supporters need to support their players in good and less good times.”

To be fair, there were many Chiefs supporters who tried to stop their colleagues from booing, which was strongest after Kingston Nkhatha missed an opportunity to score. “Kingston was one of our best players today, despite not scoring,” Baxter comments. “He actually missed the chance because he was afraid to get booed if he didn’t score. He got anxious… That doesn’t help a striker to finish cleanly. Kingston’s teammates got upset with the booing section of the crowd as well.”

“It’s unfortunate, as the supporters should act as the 12th man, always being behind the team. I really hope that our supporters will be more positive on Tuesday evening when we will face Free State Stars at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.”

After beating Chippa 1-0, thanks to a Bernard Parker goal, the Amakhosi now have 40 points from 16 matches. Nearest rivals Bidvest Wits and Mamelodi Sundowns are respectively 14 and 15 points behind Chiefs, although they both have a game in hand.