Kaizer Chiefs head coach Stuart Baxter has backed his side to put on a good performance when they face Al Ahly in Saturday’s CAF Champions League final clash.
The Amakhosi will be playing in their first ever African Champions League final but the threat posed by the Read Eagles, who are the cup’s defending champions, is apparent as they (Al Ahly) have won the trophy for a record nine times.
Despite that, the outspoken tactician, who was re-appointed as the Glamour Boys coach in June, is upbeat his charges will come to the party.
“Al Ahly were expected to be here, we were not. We are the underdogs for most of the people, but in football you should believe, I have great respect for Al Ahly but we believe we can get a good result,” said Baxter.
The Englishman returned for the second spell as head coach of the Amakhosi in June ,replacing Gavin Hunt who was sacked following poor performance in the South African Premier Soccer League.
But due to delay in processing of South African work permit he was unable to be in the touchline during the semi-final game against Wydad Casablanca of Morocco.
“I knew the club’s situation well when I agreed to come back. I have been working with the players for some time, but being back on the bench is different. Having to watch the team from the stands was difficult but now I’m back and happy to be on the bench,” Baxter added.
“We have made many surprises on the road to the final, but can we have one more? We will see.”
Being underdogs against Egypt’s mighty Al Ahly might just be the biggest advantage the Amakhosi have over their illustrious opponents.
Reaching to the final itself is a victory and they have less to lose in not winning it than Ahly‚ whose supporters would be livid at a defeat to such complete outsiders.
