Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter has explained why he is not seeking vindication despite the storm of criticism he’s faced in his second term already.
Amakhosi claimed a 4-0 victory over Chippa United at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon in the DStv Premiership encounter.
Chiefs have so far collected nine points after seven games in Baxter’s presence in the league and the Englishman is happy that the latest victory took some pressure of his player’s shoulders.
“I don’t know. I mean, the word vindication. I don’t know, I mean, if I’ve got to seek vindication… I worked out that I’ve been with Chiefs now, the first time I came, this would have just about finished by pre-season,” he told iDiski Times.
“And, we’ve played six games. And I was under pressure when people can see the work I’m doing and people can speak to the players. Maybe the vindication comes from the Tsunami (of criticism) on social media, that’s maybe where the tide will turn the opposite way. We as coaches have to live with that continuously.
“If I put myself under that much pressure that I’ve got to seek vindication, then I think I’m wrong, not the people. People got their opinions, and that’s great, they’re entitled to that. I’m the one that’s wrong, if I feel I’ve got to seek vindication.
“What it does maybe do, it does maybe take the pressure off the players. And for that I’m grateful. I don’t want the players working under pressure. I want to play fearless and I want them to play pride, proud and I want them to play with an identity.
“And, if it’s not going well, I will definitely take the stick. And I’ll take it gladly.”
