United eye another PSL title with Baxter in charge

BRINGING in Stuart Baxter halfway through last season was a clear sign that Super Sport United want to get back to their league title winning days.

After all, Baxter won two Absa Premiership titles with Kaizer Chiefs and his presence already has some pundits predicting Matsatsantsa a Pitori could lift their first league crown since 2009/2010.

However, according to Super Sport chief executive Stan Matthews, the former Bafana Bafana coach will not be put under pressure to win the title in his first full season with the club.

Super Sport were poor before Baxter was roped in to replace axed coach Gordon Igesund.

With Baxter at the helm, the Nedbank Cup holders believe they can be more competitive.

“We won’t put pressure on Stuart to win the league, but we certainly want to be in with a shout. We certainly want to be in the top four.

“Stuart wants to challenge for the league and win more trophies. He is a winner,” said Matthews.

“We’ve backed the coach with seven new players. I believe that we have improved from what we had. We are confident that we have a great coach who has a great vision.

“It’s my hope that Stuart outlasts [former Super Sport coaches] Pitso [Mosimane] and Gavin [Hunt].”

Even though Baxter has previously not done well in continental club competitions with Chiefs, Matthews believes the coach will take the CAF Confederation Cup seriously next year. Super Sport qualified for the competition after winning the Nedbank Cup.

“Pirates did our country proud and Sundowns have backed that up. It encourages a change of mentality.

“We are at a stage where we need to add continental silverware,” said Matthews.