Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker is hoping to pull off a shock at PSL champions Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday evening (7.30pm).
With the match pitting bottom club Stellies against the league title holders, Baxter admits his promoted side will find the going tough in Atteridgeville against a team fighting for trophies.
And with third-placed Downs sniffing the Telkom Knockout silverware ahead of Saturday’s final, Stellies are sensing an opportunity.
A cautious Baxter admits: “It doesn’t matter where you are on the log when you face Sundowns, it’s always going to be tough.
“They have been busy travelling in the Champions League this week and have a Cup final this weekend.
“You would like to think that they may have one eye on that. But then again there could be players looking to claim a place in the final.
“They haven’t been at their best in the league this season, but we still have to be at our best to get a result.”
RULED OUT: Stellies yster Robyn Johannes, left. Picture: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix.
Having recently been given a 4-0 pak by league leaders Kaizer Chiefs, they bounced back with 1-1 draw at SuperSport United.
And Baxter believes those lessons will stand them in good stead against opponents of greater quality.
He adds: “What we have learned is that it’s always tough against team with quality players, who can make a difference in this league.
“We want to bridge that gap and be there some day.”
Stellies will have to be a fighting unit from the first whistle and with skipper Jarrod Moroole and experienced centreback Robyn Johannes out with injury, the battle will be all the more daunting.