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Neither coach is planning on backing down when Kaizer Chiefs host ASEC Mimosas in a Caf Confederations Cup last 16, first leg tie at Dobsonville Stadium tomorrow afternoon.The Amakhosi coach Stuart Baxter insists he will not be taking the Ivorian side lightly when the two teams clash.
Chiefs were dumped out of Africa’s biggest domestic cup competition when they went down 3-2 on aggregate over two legs in a Caf Champions League Last 16 tie against DR Congo of AS Vita, and now they are looking to continue their dream in the second tier competition.
There has been plenty of speculation that Chiefs will not take the competition seriously, but coach Baxter insists he will field a competitive team as they strive to win as much silverware as possible this season.
Moreover, Chiefs come into their Caf game on the weekend in a positive frame of mind after winning their last two professional outings, beating SuperSport United 2-0 in a Nedbank Cup quarterfinal match last weekend and then Polokwane City by the same scoreline in the league on Wednesday.
“We have this Caf game and I will try put a competitive team out, that is why some of the players were rested this evening,” said Baxter after Chiefs’ 2-0 win over Polokwane on Wednesday.
“We will put a competitive team out and put it out with a view of running out all of the games this season by giving people a rest here and there, but still trying to play a competitive team.
“I think the players have done an amazing job. The schedule is one that you can’t find anywhere and I just hope we can keep on going.”
Barker confesses that it will not be an easy task up against a highly competitive Ivorian team, but he is adamant they will be playing for the pride of the nation.
“We will field a competitive side against ASEC Mimosas on Sunday as I have said, especially considering the fact that we will be playing in our own backyard,” added Baxter.
The game will be tough and will also test our experience in Caf competitions, but we will protect our territory.”
Baxter’s side will certainly face a tough test in ASEC Mimosas who are Ivory Coast’s most successful domestic team. They boast one Caf Champions League title (1998) and, since their formation in 1948, have over 20 domestic league titles.
ASEC Mimosas coach Siaka Traore is also eager to set the cat among the pigeons when his side take to the Dobsonville Stadium tomorrow.
“We are going to South Africa to achieve a good result. We are going to do what it takes to go back to Abidjan with the best possible result,” said Traore.
“We want to win in South Africa. And in the worst case scenario, we will try to at least secure a draw so we can finish the job in Abidjan. ASEC Mimosas are a team who travel well. The battle will be tough and our opponents are playing in front of their fans, but we will have enough to stand up to them.” –Sport24.
Online Reporter