Baxter unperturbed by not so Super start

FOR A team touted as potential champions, SUPERSPORT United seem to be battling to get into the zone. Just one point out of a possible six is simply not good enough for a team that boasts top players and a top coach.

With Stuart Baxter and a number of high profile players at their disposal, SuperSport were expected to get off to a dream start. Things have, however, been tough with Matsatsantsa a Pitori drawing one and losing one in the Absa Premiership. They also got knocked out of the MTN8.

Though it’s not looking rosy for the three-time PSL champions, Baxter is not too perturbed.

“I am not worried because the lads are doing the work and it is being reflected in the game in a small way,” he said “It’s a slow start results-wise but it’s a promising start in other ways because if this team gets the extra 10 or 15 percent, when we gel, then we will be difficult to play against. We will be difficult to stop because I believe we can get that balance between defending and being offensive. We will get better. That’s what I am hoping for.”

Having led Chiefs to two PSL titles, Baxter’s arrival at SuperSport has raised expectations. He has also gone out of his way to recruit a number of quality players. Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Morgan Gould, Tefu Mashamaite, Onismor Bashera, Thabo Mnyamane, Alexander Cole, Aubrey Modiba, Reeyard Pieterse and Keagan Ritchie have all joined SuperSport. With such acquisitions, most of whom didn’t come cheap, Baxter is understandably expected to deliver the goods.

“Expectations. We have to deal with that. I think Chiefs, Wits, Sundowns and Pirates supporters have got expectations. Expectations are a part of our game and it’s great because you guys (media) can play with that a little bit. Our job is to keep all of that at arm’s length,” said the former Bafana Bafana coach.

“We have to concentrate on our quality and the development of the player – both as a person and on the field. If we can do that then the results will come. If I am worrying about the expectations, that will make me tense and I will probably not be the sort of coach they need. If they are tense, they won’t be the sort of players I want. I have got to make sure this team gets a coach who is calm, working and improving the players and they are enjoying working.

We have to really manage that as coaches and players.”

SuperSport first lost to Platinum Stars in the league before they were knocked out of the MTN8 by neighbours Sundowns. Midweek they drew goalless with Chippa United. Baxter says he is working on getting the perfect balance between defence and attack.

“You need to keep working at the right things. I think it’s obvious we need to work on our ability to move from defensive mode into offensive mode with more quality. Once the attack is up and running, I think our movements are good, we will be okay.”