Middendorp pleased with win
Middendorp pleased with win

Posted in News, Team News on Jan 17, 2019.

“It is important to summarize this match while giving an overall review of the past week,” said Ernst Middendorp. “We played the top of the log team, Bidvest Wits and won. We also played well against Zesco United in Zambia, despite not getting a result.”

Kaizer Chiefs beat AmaZulu 3-2 on Wednesday in an enthralling encounter played in front of a near capacity filled King Zwelithini Stadium.

“We could have scored more, especially in the first half,” continued Middendorp. “Our decision making robbed us of some possibilities, while we conceded goals in a way that I thought was not necessary. I am pleased with the win and this will help our confidence going into Saturday’s CAF game.”

Chiefs face Zesco in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup play-off round on Saturday.

“For now, let us focus on today and tomorrow,” added the German coach. “It’s the 16th of January and we have only had two proper training sessions this year. At the moment, we are missing out on quality training sessions due to the fixture congestion. That’s a little bit of what we need to do now, to sharpen some of the areas we need to improve on.”

We are only in mid-January and Amakhosi have already played four matches, including back-to-back trips to Zambia and Durban.

Hendrick Ekstein bagged another Man of the Match, much to the appreciation of Middendorp.

“Ekstein is taking his chance since he started commanding a regular place in the team. I am also happy about Bernard Parker. He’s a true professional. It’s great to have a guy like him in the team. We look at the players holistically when we select a side and Parker is doing well for us, he contributes holistically.”

With Lebogang Manyama, Leonardo Castro and Mario Booysen substituted due to niggles, Middendorp looked ahead.

“Ramahlwe Mphahlele is coming back in a few weeks, Dax Andrianarimanana is coming ok and Siphehlele Ntshangase is waiting for his opportunity,” concluded Middendorp. “We are looking at the players to take their opportunities. The players know their responsibilities but that’s all I’m willing to share lest I give away our tactics.”

Kaizer Chiefs will host Zambia’s Zesco United at FNB Stadium in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup play-off match on 19 January 2019. Kick-off is at 20:00

 

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