Absa Premiership


Free State Stars 0 – 2 Kaizer Chiefs (Nkosi 38’ Tshabalala 90+1’)


30 November 2013

The Amakhosi travelled to Phuthaditjhaba on weekend to play against the unpredictable and difficult Free State Stars.

Chiefs played to a 0-0 draw against Free State Stars in the first round of the 2012/13 PSL season, at Charles Mopeli Stadium. The playing conditions were described as difficult for both teams on the day. The pitch was bumpy and the weather was dusty and windy at that time.

On Saturday, Coach Stuart Baxter and his charges got the maximum points by beating Free State Stars 2 – 0 to claim overnight stay on the top of the log with log leader Sundowns playing in the following. Coach Baxter expressed delight at the performance of his Team after a fine display of football, this time in wet weather conditions.

“We were fantastic today. Of course we are still not 100% happy. The players know when we get to the dressing room we will still discuss the issues relating to composure, killing the opponents off and not giving away transitions at critical phases of the game,” said Baxter.

“I think today we were consistent and created some good situations. The backline played like a unit and protected our box bravely and intelligently. The referee was hush at some instance. At some points I was left confused and didn’t know what were a push or a shove and the difference between the yellow card and green card. I am glad the player kept their cool. They approached their job with much discipline and of course I can’t knock the players off if they become overzealous at times," Baxter was speaking about the yellow card issued to Bernard Parker.

“To occupy the top spot on the log says something. It says that we are doing something right. We will keep working hard to establish ourselves at the top spot. It is good to escalate to the top but I will still be happy to shadow the top teams and remain a threat in the mix;” Baxter was referring to Chiefs occupying top spot following the resounding win.

Stars: Agyei; Masehe, Ouro-Akoriko, Shabalala, Thebakang, Yende (Bobe 83’), Mashego, Mthethwa (Sekola 71’), Esterhuizen (Basit 63’), Venter, Abraw

Chiefs: Khune; Gaxa, Mathoho, Mashamaite, Ritchie, Nkosi, Letsholonyane (Bukenya 90+3’), Katsande, Tshabalala, Parker, Musona (Nkhatha 74’)

The win was the third in the row and the Amakhosi will take the trip northward to face the log leaders in their next league game on the 10th December 2013, at 19:30. The game will be played at the Loftus Versfeld.