Kaizer Chiefs boss Stuart Baxter has received a glowing tribute from a rival coach who considers himself the Englishman’s protégé.
Kaizer Chiefs boss Stuart Baxter has received a glowing tribute from a rival coach who considers himself the Englishman’s protégé.
Ahead of SuperSport United hosting Amakhosi in the DStv Premiership on Sunday, Kaitano Tembo spoke openly about his relationship with Baxter having worked closely with him during the 2016/17 season prior to Baxter taking over at Bafana Bafana.
“All I know is that coach Stuart is a very good coach. I think he has played a huge role in my development as a coach, he was someone who really believed in me,” Tembo told journalists as he recalled the day Baxter left him in charge.
“He gave me an opportunity to see the game in a different way. He trusted me, had confidence in me. I remember at some point I went to TP Mazembe when he was not feeling well and he said this is an opportunity for me to create my own personality as a coach. And he said if I go there and do well that’s my success, but if I don’t he will take the blame.”
Tembo managed a point at the hostile TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi after an impressive 2-2 draw, which helped their chances of progressing to the quarterfinals.
“It showed what kind of a person he is. He is a coach who is always coming up with new ideas – training sessions always have something new to learn,” he explained.
But he won’t do Baxter any favours on Sunday, though the SSU coach admits that Chiefs are beginning to click, perhaps as evidenced by their 4-0 drubbing of Chippa United.
“I think it’s just a matter of time before Chiefs can start playing the way he wants them to play. That’s why I am aware that this is not going to be an easy game, it will be a tough one against a team that is starting to play the way he wants them to play with a lot of freedom,” Tembo told journalist during a press conference.
“He is also very tactically disciplined. Looking at the games that he has played, there are a few changes in his approach, but we are ready and have prepared well.”
SSU are second behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, while Chiefs are still battling their way up in ninth place after seven matches.
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