Posted in News on Aug 15, 2014.
Platinum Stars v Kaizer Chiefs
Royal Bafokeng Sports Stadium
20:15 <br?
Speaking ahead of their trip to the North West Province, Coach Baxter expressed satisfaction at the way his team has prepared for the most anticipated tough encounter against Platinum Stars. Baxter, was upbeat after taking The Glamour Boys through the final polishing touches on Friday afternoon. Chiefs visit Rustenburg, for an assignment with the Stars, at stake will be a passage to the finals, though, it will be the 1st leg of MTN8 Cup. In recent times, The Glamour Boys have found the going tough playing at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Stadium, but Baxter looked ahead of the game as another different ball game.
“It is a Cup game and a 1st leg in two legs. The players will go into the game with a different mindset. It is also an away game for us against a side that has brushed aside the reigning league champs Mamelodi Sundowns, so underestimation is not going to feature in our minds. They have given us enough problems in the past for us to go off guard. On the other hand, we are playing very well and we are confident in our play. So, it makes it a very interesting game, isn’t it?” said Baxter with supreme confidence.
Platinum Stars have made a couple of changes to their squad that has seen them clinching a Cup double last season. Baxter maintained, they will still be a team to beat despite the changes in their personnel.
“This is the Stars team that has claimed the scalp of Sundowns. They have undergone changes yes, but they are still one of the toughest sides in the league. Despite all their changes they are going to play against a good team. We don't think they will be less competitive because of the changes in their squad. We have prepared to play in a tough and competitive encounter against them," said Baxter.
The forecast of the match?
“It is going to be a tight contest. We will have to manage that as well as we can. We might introduce some variations in our approach and that we will decide as time goes on. Anyone we play on the day will be capable of doing the job for us," said Baxter.
The players: Siphiwe Tshabalala, Bernard Parker and Matthew Rusike are still nursing an assortment of injuries and will not be available for selection this weekend, so is Ovidy Karuru who is still sorting out his papers.
The Glamour Boys hold the record for the most wins of this top eight competition with 14 gold medals since the cup started in 1972.
The Premier Soccer League has confirmed that there will be no tickets sold at the stadium during this and next weekend’s MTN8 semifinal fixtures. The fans are urged to purchase tickets at Computicket or Shoprite Checkers. There will not be any tickets sold at the gates and it is important for supporters to come to the stadium with their tickets.
The ticket prices are as follows: R80 for the grand stand (Main stand – West Stand) and R40 for the rest of the stadium.
