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Back to basics: Baxter

Johannesburg - Kaizer Chiefs must get back to basics if they are to overcome an unpredictable United FC side, according to AmaKhosi coach Stuart Baxter, in their Nedbank Cup semi-final at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

Fresh off a shock 3-1 league defeat to Ajax Cape Town midweek, the Soweto side need to regroup in an effort to brush aside their First Division opponents.

"We've played many teams that have played expansive football this season and I think we've coped with them,” Baxter said ahead of the match.

“I think we have to make sure that we get back to basics. We've got a way of playing that should cope if people want to pass the ball.

"If we get into our positions and our lines are tight, we should be able to cope with that.”

Baxter believed his side, setting the pace in the league race, had proved themselves this season, but they needed to regain their composure.

“Before this game (against Ajax Cape Town), we probably had one of the best defensive records in the country and have scored probably more goals than anyone," he said.

“We will get back to what we've been doing."

United coach Dan Malesela, meanwhile, would not divulge any specific game plan they had in mind for the Soweto giants.

"We believe in going with the flow,” said Malesela.

“Whatever happens in the game, the situations of the game guide us.

“If we get a goal early, it's fine. If we don't get it, we keep working hard at it.

"If you start saying you're going to look for a goal early, you might be vulnerable somewhere.”

Malesela was cautious of their chances against the top-flight leaders, as his unfancied outfit targeted a place in the cup final.

“I do not know what Kaizer Chiefs' weaknesses are, to be honest, but I will tell you, there is a lot of respect that comes from us with Chiefs," he said.

“They are not at the top because it's a fluke or something, they are at the top because they are a big club. They should be respected as such.”

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