Baxter defends selections

Johannesburg - Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter insists that the team he fielded against ASEC Mimosas was not a second choice line-up.

According to the Football411 website, Baxter has come under fire after his weakened side went down 2-1 to their Ivorian opponents at the Dobsonville Stadium in what was the first leg of their CAF Confederations Cup tie.

However, while admitting that the team was obviously not the strongest available, Baxter believes that it was other elements that resulted in the defeat.

While defending his selections, Baxter concedes that those in the starting line-up did not put in the level of performance required.

"I don't think you've got any idea what's like playing against a team that's throwing themselves on the ground. I call that cheating. If you want to lambast players who worked their socks off, you have to look at the tactical conditions for the match," he asserted.

"What I don't like is lack of endeavour, passion and commitment from my players, and I told them in the change room."