PSL News

Platinum Stars v Kaizer Chiefs

Johnson: Calling the shots

Johnson: Calling the shots

Kaizer Chiefs' unbeaten scalp remains up for grabs as they clash with Platinum Stars at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

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The team from the North West saw their five game unbeaten run ended on Tuesday as they went down 2-1 to Chippa United.

That defeat could prove to be a temporary setback, or it could perhaps mark the start of a slide that sees Dikwena plummeting down the table to their more customary position in the bottom half.

Cavin Johnson, the Stars coach, will no doubt understand the importance of avoiding a second straight defeat, and would likely settle for a point.

One thing he doesn't have to worry about is the motivation levels of his men.

"I like to call this match an away-home game because the Chiefs fans will outnumber ours. We all know motivation is no issues for the players when a team faces Chiefs," he said.

Despite AmaKhosi's excellent form this season, Johnson believes he has spotted chinks in their armour, but is not elaborating.

"Stuart Baxter has them attacking very well and their running off the ball is very good. Maybe we can sneak in a goal behind them but I'm not going to risk losing the game by giving any more of our plans away," Johnson says.

"We will play as best we can and if we get something out of it then so be it. But while the seats might be theirs, the grass of the Bafokeng Nation will be ours."

Stars go into the match with a clean bill of health, which is more than can be said for the 'Zebras' of Kaizer Chiefs.

AmaKhosi will be without Reneilwe Letsholonyane, who was on the score-sheet in the midweek win over Moroka Swallows, the midfielder being suspended.

There are also a couple of players with injury concerns, including defender Erick Mathoho.

Baxter appears to have won over the confidence of his players, and has made a great start to his career in this country, having picked up the Manager's award in the recent Q1 innovation.

But as the season progresses there will no doubt be obstacles to overcome, and the match against Stars could be such an occasion, hence the Englishman is taking a cautious approach.

"They are obviously back on their turf this weekend. We need to be consistent and keep the momentum going.

"I am sure the players are sitting there thinking about the upcoming game as an exciting challenge more than a problem.

"We are taking it one game at a time and we will have to approach the game against Stars with the same mentality to win," said Baxter, who pointed out that the weather is another factor:

"We will be playing in different conditions because of the heat and we might give a few players who have not had much game time a run. We might also change tactics a little bit."

Posted: 23/11/12 11:29

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