ABSA Premiership


Free State Stars v Kaizer Chiefs


30 November 2013


Charles Mopeli Stadium


15:30

Kaizer Chiefs will be traveling to Qwaqwa this weekend to play against Free State Stars in the ABSA Premiership League match. The Amakhosi are oozing with confidence ahead of the much anticipated clash following their midweek 4 – 1 victory over the enthusiastic Polokwane City.

Coach Stuart Baxter was optimistic ahead of the clash. Speaking to kaizerchiefs.com after the Team’s pre-match training on Friday morning, Baxter called on his charges to build up on last Wednesday performances.

“We aim to build up from the result of Wednesday. The players just finished with their training and they are looking sharp and confident. Based on what we saw at training, we will come up with a strong starting line-up;” Baxter was speaking after taking his charges through their paces at the Chiefs HQ.

“Looking at the players, Josta Dladla and Morgan Gould are out on suspensions. Lucky Baloyi, Jimmy Jambo and Tsepo Masilela are still side-lined by a variety of injuries. Siphiwe Tshabalala and Captain Itumeleng Khune have gone over niggling injuries and will be available for selection on Saturday;” Baxter, referring to the availability of his players.

“It is always a tricky affair when you play Free State Stars away. The approach to away and home games depend on the opponents. We always concentrate on our own game a lot and on what we do well. We have been watching their games and what they were doing the last time we played them. But you will never know and guarantee how they will approach the game. Maybe Steve (Coach Khompela) will want to come up with something special. We will be flexible on the day;” Baxter concluded.

The Amakhosi recorded back-to-back wins in the league for the first time this season as they beat Polokwane City 4-1 in midweek. The Soweto giants have claimed four points from as many matches on the road in this campaign. The Amakhosi are placed third on the Absa Premiership log with 18 points from 10 matches.

In head-to-head stats, Stars and Chiefs have met in 27 league matches since 1996.

The Amakhosi boast 17 wins compared to just three for Ea Lla Koto, while seven matches have been drawn. Stars have won just two of 13 home matches against Chiefs down the years, suffering seven defeats in the process. Last season the Amakhosi took four points off Ea Lla Koto, drawing 0-0 in the Free State before winning 2-1 in the return game in Gauteng.