We’re still in the title race, says Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter

Johannesburg — Kaizer Chiefs head coach Stuart Baxter believes his team still have a lot to play for this season.

The AmaKhosi coach shared this view when speaking to the media ahead of this weekend’s Soweto derby against rivals Orlando Pirates.

After all the talk of returning the glory days, Chiefs have been below-par this season. So much so that they are on course to endure another trophyless season having failed to advace in both the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup.

But, Baxter doesn’t want to throw in the towel — yet. He believes that the title race is not over, although they trail leaders and champions Mamelodi Sundowns by 19 points.

What gives Baxter belief that they can put pressure on Sundowns is that they have four games in hand — although two of those are not guaranteed as they are under arbitration after they forfeited them due to the Covid-19 outbreak at their base.

“It’s been a very difficult season in many ways; In terms of trying to restructure the squad and the pandemic. We’ve had our fair share of difficulties. We’ve got the ongoing saga about the games to be played or not played,” Baxter said.

“When I looked at the log, there’s four games we have to play (if we win the court case) and we still have to play Sundowns also. So that can be a 12-point swing. That will mean that you are not completely out of the picture (in the title race).”

So then what happens when Chiefs are found guilty by the arbitration court — a feat that could see them being deducted points and goals that'll be given to Cape Town City and Golden Arrows who were the teams that they were set to meet?

“If we take our focus off the boardroom saga, where six points are concerned and focus on just the three points in this game that cements our