We’ve got almost a full squad to look at – Baxter ahead of Soweto derby

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With the likes of Samir Nurkovic, Leonardo Castro and Lebogang Manyama returning to full fitness, Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter says he has almost a full squad to pick from for this weekend’s Soweto derby clash with Orlando Pirates.

The Glamour Boys leapfrogged their arch-rivals this past weekend as a narrow 1-0 win over Baroka moved them up to second, while the Sea Robbers were away on continental duty.

With both sides neck and neck on the league table, and both eyeing that second Caf Champions League spot behind Sundowns, the weekend’s clash could be a defining one of the season.

Speaking after the win over Baroka, Baxter admitted it is nice to have some fresh legs in his squad with the return of a number of players.

“Pirates is a completely different game. Will we play with four at the back or will we play with three centre backs? That remains to be seen,” he said following Chiefs’ victory over Baroka on Saturday.

“We do have some fresh legs. I’m expecting Bernard [Parker] to be back, Samir [Nurkovic] has got a good hour under his belt, Leo [Castro] has got time under his belt, we got Lebo [Manyama] back on the field and a few more minutes for him.

“We’ve got almost a full squad to look at now and we’ll just suck on this caramel [after the win over Baroka] and then it is back to work.”