Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter says Sunday’s Carling Black Label Cup was one of the “better derbies” as his side triumphed 4-3 on penalties over Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates following an entertaining 0-0 draw at FNB Stadium.
After a slow start in the first half, the game picked up in the second period as Chiefs missed a penalty through Daniel Cardoso, but then held their nerve to triumph in the shootout as replacement goalkeeper Brandon Petersen made two excellent saves.
"I think our second-half performance warranted the result," Baxter said. "It was an even first half. I thought it was a well-played game, one of the better derbies.
"We stepped up in the second half. Our movement around the box was much better. We looked more dangerous and I think when it goes to penalties, you're just happy that you come out on top because it can go either way. Brandon was magnificent.
"This game was information for me. For the supporters we've got to win it, we get that and it's the old enemy so we always want to win. But this was about information moving forward.
None of the new players disappointed me. They staked a claim. I'm happy with the evening's work and I think there are some shoots of green grass coming through.”
Chiefs will open their campaign with a tough MTN8 quarterfinal against Mamelodi Sundowns on the weekend of 13-15 August.