Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter is pleased to have a change of scenery this week as he shifts focus from their recent Premiership woes to the CAF Champions League.
Amakhosi face a tricky continental tie against Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca in the first round in Durban on Saturday, and head into the match on the back of their disappointing 1-0 defeat to Maritzburg United in the league on Wednesday.
The English coach did not admit it, but pressure has been mounting on the league leaders as they have watched their lead at the summit being slowly eaten into by defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who are now eight points adrift.
The Glamour Boys have also scored just one goal in their past five league encounters, while they have lost two of their last four, meaning continental action comes as a very welcome break for the boss.
Amakhosi face a tricky continental tie against Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca in the first round in Durban on Saturday, and head into the match on the back of their disappointing 1-0 defeat to Maritzburg United in the league on Wednesday.
The English coach did not admit it, but pressure has been mounting on the league leaders as they have watched their lead at the summit being slowly eaten into by defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who are now eight points adrift.
The Glamour Boys have also scored just one goal in their past five league encounters, while they have lost two of their last four, meaning continental action comes as a very welcome break for the boss.
"We have a heavy schedule but in some way this game is quite refreshing," Baxter told a press briefing in Durban on Thursday.
"We are looking at this game differently to how we would approach a league or cup game."
According to Baxter, the Chiefs coaching staff have done their homework on three-time champions Raja.
"We know their history and also their current team. We have followed some reports as well as some intelligence so we are quite well prepared," he said.
Raja captain Mohammed Oulhaj was bullish about his team's chances at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
He added: "We respect Kaizer Chiefs who are the league leaders, but we are a big team who have played at the FIFA Club World Cup. Nothing worries us."
"We are looking at this game differently to how we would approach a league or cup game."
According to Baxter, the Chiefs coaching staff have done their homework on three-time champions Raja.
"We know their history and also their current team. We have followed some reports as well as some intelligence so we are quite well prepared," he said.
Raja captain Mohammed Oulhaj was bullish about his team's chances at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
He added: "We respect Kaizer Chiefs who are the league leaders, but we are a big team who have played at the FIFA Club World Cup. Nothing worries us."
By: Farai Diza
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