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We can't slip up: Baxter

Bloemfontein - Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter insists he will not let complacency creep in as his players look to capitalise on their seven-point lead at the top of the league table.

Amakhosi romped to a 3-0 win over Bloemfontein Celtic at Free State Stadium on Sunday, and the former Bafana Bafana mentor said he would push his side to dig deep into their reserves at the business end of the Absa Premiership season.

''We have to be aggressive and show more composure," Baxter said.

"We cannot afford to slip up at any stage. We have to remain focussed."

Chiefs, who have played one game more than fellow contenders Orlando Pirates, were expecting an onslaught in their last seven matches of the campaign, as the Buccaneers, well clear of the other teams in second place, attempt to close the gap.

'The game against Celtic was very competitive and our mental strength was very important, as it will be in future fixtures.

"This was a very difficult fixture against Celtic and we knew well in advance. We are expecting the same from other opponents in future games."

Despite the drubbing, Celtic coach Clinton Larsen was satisfied with the display by his side, who are lying eighth in the league standings.

''In my opinion the scoreline was very flattering," Larsen said.

"My players executed the game plan exceptionally well and we gave Chiefs all kinds of problems, and we adjusted very well.

"There are mixed emotions from my side, and I'm happy with the performance, but not the result."

Larsen was disappointed that the hosts were shut out by Bafana Bafana shot stopper Itumeleng Khune.

"We are taking the positives from the game," he said.

''Our decision-making in front of the goalpost was not the best, and credit must go to Chiefs keeper Itumeleng Khune who made world-class saves to deny us from scoring.

"But it's a work in progress for us as we look forward to our next games, and soldier on to achieve our target to finish the season among the top five clubs."

Elsewhere on Sunday, Maritzburg United scored two goals in the space of two minutes to ensure a 2-0 win over bottom feeders Chippa United in Pietermaritzburg.

On Saturday, Pirates lost some ground in the title race after they were held to a goalless draw by top-flight rookies University of Pretoria.

SuperSport United held off a late charge from strugglers Black Leopards to secure a 3-2 victory in Atteridgeville, and Platinum Stars settled for a 1 -1 draw with Mamelodi Sundowns in Phokeng.

On Friday, Moroka Swallows edged Free State Stars with a 1-0 win in Dobsonville, and Ajax Cape Town played to a goalless stalemate against AmaZulu at Cape Town Stadium.

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