Baxter Responds To Guard Of Honor Question

Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter has stated that Amakhosi would give Mamelodi Sundowns “the respect they deserve” in case they would already be confirmed as champions when the two teams will meet next month.

The 68-year-old has continuously stated that Chiefs were trying to catch Downs in the title race but has somewhat admitted that Masandawana seem to be unreachable this campaign.

“I think we’ve long completed our chances of putting any great pressure on Sundowns,” Baxter said on Wednesday.

“The have done a marvellous job this year and I think the rest of us are playing for the follow-up places.”

He also answered a question on whether Amakhosi would give Downs a guard of honour should they be confirmed as 2021/22 DStv Premiership champions when his side will host Masandawana on 8 May at the FNB Stadium.

“If they are the champions and if they come to us [as champions], we’ll give them every respect that professionals should afford to each other.”

Chiefs currently sit on 39 points, 18 behind Sundowns but have three games in hand – including the two December fixtures which they failed to honour after a serious Covid-19 outbreak, which are still being debated at the courts.

Sundowns, meanwhile, have collected 57 points so far and could be on 63 points when both sides will meet each – putting them potentially out of reach for Amakhosi at that point.

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