Playing at Orlando no big deal for Chiefs - Baccus

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder, Kearyn Baccus (right) says playing their remaining Absa Premiership home games at Orlando Stadium is no big deal as the pitch there is in a very good condition and condusive to their style of football.

Orlando Stadium is Amakhosi’s biggest rivals, Orlando Pirates’ fortress and they were ironically allocated the venue as their home base for the completion of the league games in a biologically safe environment (BSE) last week.

Baccus also admitted that they would miss having their fans singing and dancing in support on the stands as the games are to be played behind closed doors owing to the Covid-19-enforced lockdown.

“We will obviously miss our fans,” the 27-year-old told his clubs’ website.

“It is a nice stadium and the pitch is very good. I am happy with the outcome of the draw to play at Orlando Stadium.”

Chiefs were at the top of the Premiership standings when the games were halted in March after the sudden outbreak and fast spread of Covid-19 which forced the lockdown. At the time, Chiefs had been dealt a surprising 1-0 defeat by AmaZulu, which saw their lead cut to four points, with Mamelodi Sundowns hot on their heels.

Baccus believes Amakhosi can do well if they are focused and mentally strong.

“Now it’s important that we all focus, be mentally strong and play as a team in those eight remaining fixtures,” said the

Durban-born, Australian raised player.

Baccus also confessed that he didn’t watch too many games but made a point to study their next opponents.

“I don’t watch too many games, however if we play, for example, Polokwane City, I will always check out their most recent fixture. I watch how they play and, of course, especially check how their midfielders operate, how they pass, combine with each other and so on. Nothing major, but it’s important,” he said.

Chiefs resume their league fixtures with a tough match against Bidvest Wits at their new venue on 12 August.