The Team held a mini preseason camp at the North West University (NWU) in Potchefstroom from the 3rd to 07th of July 2014. The Team used the same location in 2012 as a launching pad for the ‘Reclaiming the Glory’ season of the 2012/13 PSL season. The ‘Reclaiming the Glory’ season saw Chiefs winning the Absa Premiership and Nedbank Cup double. The Amakhosi and NWU are also engaged in a collaborative partnership.

kaizerchiefs.com visited the Team at the camp and spoke to Coach Baxter to share his impressions about the camp.

How has the preseason gone so far?

“We have an opportunity to do more work here than what we are able to do during the normal practise sessions at the Village. Here we are able to hold meetings after the training sessions because that is where we are based for a few days. We are able to spend time reviewing match video clips and talk about different match situations. The facility is good for preseason preparations.” said Baxter.

How is the mood of the players in the camp?

“The mood is clearly a back-to-business kind of mood. We have played a practice match in three parts where everybody played for an hour. The lads look hungry which augers well for our prospects going into the new season. They are well aware of the season that lies ahead and I think they are inspired to take the bull by its horns. They know that only hard work, courage and determination will carry us through the season, and they are really looking up to it.” commented Baxter.

We have newly signed players and promoted youngsters, how are they gelling with the rest of the Team?

“It is too early to make a call from the point of view that the younger ones have got to learn first and it will be unfair to judge them at this stage. They need time to practice in their new environment as this is like a start for them. Levy (Mokgothu) and Siphelele (Mthembu) look lively in training but will also need 5 to 6 games to get into the rhythm. We are camping with a big squad including some players on trials at the moment.” said Baxter.

How far is the Team ready to start with the league programme?

“We will have another same type of preparation in Port Elizabeth from the 11th of July. We’re sharpening now, with a few more practice matches we should be ready. At the moment we are mainly focusing on collecting information about the players, their physical readiness, performance and attitude. The real test will begin when the league resumes in August.” said Baxter.

Baxter and his troops will head to Port Elizabeth from the 11th to 21st of July 2014 for another camp, and will return to face Orlando Pirates in their defence of the Carling Black Label Cup on the 26th of July 2014 at FNB Stadium.