Sparta Macufe Cup


Bloemfontein Celtic (1) 5 - (1) 3 Kaizer Chiefs

"It was a decent performance from our lads," says Kaizer Chiefs Coach Stuart Baxter following the defeat in the hands of Bloemfontein Celtic in the Sparta Macufe Cup on Sunday.

He continued, "The game itself was good for the supporters. We started well and I thought our lads did well. We then lost our shape towards the end of the first half and they took over until they scored. We regrouped quickly and it became an end to end affair."

About his personnel, "We left about 12 players at home. Celtic are a good opposition hence I felt we played well."

The two keepers Khuzwayo and Pieterse shared the poles on each half, he says, " Both keepers did well with some fine saves. Their keeper also saved some of our goal bound shots. Some of our players have still a lot to learn about our system of play. Players like Phakamani Mngadi and Ovidy Karuru for example will catch up with the rest of the squad soon. They will be going forward after this game knowing where they need to improve and consolidate."

Baxter adds, "The players will work hard knowing they have to fight to get into the starting eleven. I'm happy they are finding their feet."

The electrifying atmosphere was another good day of football. The game was part of the Macufe Cultural Festival and the supporters were enthusiastic.

Baxter says, "The conditions of the pitch were difficult to play a good entertaining football but the players acquainted well and applied themselves accordingly. I am glad the supporters enjoyed the game."

Dladla scored the equaliser from the spot kick and Mthembu shot his penalty kick wide during shootout.

The results not going Chiefs way, he says, "The pitch was not conducive for both teams. Celtic played well and were aggressive. We were lucky to get away without injuries. But I am pleased with the full time 1-1 scoreline. Losing in a friendly on penalty shootouts is not a bad result."

What about Macufe and Asidlali weekend results, with Chiefs reserves losing 1-0 to Celtic and playing to a 0 - 0 draw against Moroka Swallows?

He says, "We sent the teams to do the job in both competitions and looking at the results especially when you look at the purpose, we did well on both fronts. We didn't lose with heavy scores and we earned the benefit of playing an entirely development side against Moroka Swallows on Sunday in the Multichoice Diski Challenge."

Chiefs Starting: Pieterse (1), Moleko (18), Gould (C)(83), Gordinho (26), Mokgothu (13), Bukenya (30), Nkosi (10), Mngadi (19), Rusike (21), Karuru (29), Mthembu (20)

Subs: Khuzwayo (16), Ekstein (27), Dladla (9), Matombo (35), Mtsweni (36), Macheke (28)

Coach: Stuart Baxter


Assist. Coach: Doctor Khumalo

Celtic Starting: Tignyemb (30), Fransman (16), Mogapi (19), Zuma (42), Ndengane (27), Nkausu (22), Ntanga (15), Mulenga (6), Lamola (14), Ritchie (20)

Subs: Moses (G), Cloete (26), Lakay (7), Bilankulu (28), Tshambu (4), Mofokeng (21), Motshegwa (33)

Coach: Ernst Middendorp


Assist Coach: Fadluraghan Davis