Kaizer Chiefs head coach Stuart Baxter says the underperforming squad received an ultimatum in their last team meeting ahead of the Soweto Derby.
Following their 1-1 draw against AmaZulu on Wednesday, Baxter slammed his side and said they could have been on the losing end by four goals – before an extended team meeting saw him arrive late for the post-match press duties.
After apologising to the media and explaining why he was in the dressing room for such long period, Baxter has now opened up about the measures that have now been taken to emphasise how important three points is against Swallows on Sunday.
“We had a meeting with the players, where I said to them that if anybody thinks there is an excuse, they should not come to the game,” he said via the club’s official website.
“We know how we are going to play, and we know how Swallows play. It’s going to be a good competitive game. It’s a derby and we want it to be treated in that way.
“We are up for it. It has been a challenge and the players have got to answer that challenge. We are not going to be doing anything we don’t know against Swallows.”
While a bout of Covid has hit the Amakhosi camp, Cole Alexander and Njabulo Blom are suspended – added to a couple of injuries, the two-time league winner says it’s time for others to put their hands up for regular game time.
“It’s up to the players who are coming in to throw their hat in the ring and say I am going to give a performance and then you decide if I stay in the team. That’s how we have got to look at it.
“We know all the challenges and we have to come with a solution and that is what we are hoping to do. Our final training on Saturday was compromised because of the weather.
“Nothing is perfect in life; we make a plan. We virtually have the whole midfield that played in the last game out, but we have players in the squad who have been chomping at the bit.
“Now it’s up to them to show I was wrong to be leaving them on the side. Now we will tweak it a little bit and see what we can achieve.”
Chiefs face the out of sorts Dube Birds who are equally under pressure for three points when they face off at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday (15h30).
