TKO Quarterfinal


Free State Stars v Kaizer Chiefs


Sunday, 20 October 2013


Charles Mopeli Stadium, Phuthaditjhaba in Qwaqwa


Kickoff: 15:00

The Amakhosi Coach Stuart Baxter was cautiously optimistic ahead of the much anticipated clash.

On the away trip to face Free State Stars who are hard to beat in their backyard:

“It will be a difficult game because it’s a cup game and an away game. It is never easy to go and play Steve Khompela’s team in Qwaqwa. We have a lot of reason to prepare well and be ready. We come from a FIFA week. It is always difficult for teams that had their players away on national duty. It is the same everywhere just like when teams return from playing in the Champions League. But we have to approach the game with a good attitude.”

On the playing conditions usually experienced by visiting teams in Qwaqwa:

“The last time we played there, the pitch was in a bad state. I don’t think it will be a lot worse than the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein where we played last week. At the end of the day the conditions will be the same for both teams.”

On the status of his players:

“Major (Lehlohonolo Majoro) returned to full training today but I think it will be a little too late for him to compete for his place in the squad. Kaizer Motaung JNR is still out with a knee injury and the medical team is working on that at the moment. ‘Shabba’ (Siphiwe Tshabalala) has started training this week after two weeks of recovering from injury. He started training and we will be guided by his response to include him in the squad, but he should be ready to play.”

Ivan Bukenya is not available to play yet. Remember, we did not bring on Bukenya because we are not happy with our centre backs. Bukenya, just like Lorenzo will be groomed to prepare for CAF Champions League. They are more of a backup at the moment but they are fighting hard for their place at the moment, which is healthy.”

On the mood in the Camp:

“The mood in the Camp is very good. I am actually surprised at the good attitude I have seen at training. Usually after a break it becomes difficult to get the players back in the swing of things. They are looking good and ready.”

On Free State Stars as the opponent:

“We pay respect to all our opponents. If we give attention to individuals then it will mean we have disrespect for the other players. If they have one brilliant player, of course, we will give him the attention without losing focus on the rest of their team. Khompela has done well to bring unknown players that can rise to the occasion. We will pay them the respect they deserve.”

On his team scoring from set plays:

“Yes we have done well in scoring from set plays and we are continuing to work hard on that. We have always done that and scored crucial goals at critical stages of the games. We have scored about 24% of our goals from a set play, which is good. We have also done well on scoring goals from quick transitions.”

Chiefs have met Free State Stars twice before in the Telkom Knockout Cup and on both occasions early round triumphs over Ea LLa Koto in 1998-99 and 2010-11 have seen Chiefs eventually going on to lift the trophy.