Posted in News, Team News on Mar 02, 2020.
“We got into Saturday’s game knowing very well what was at stake,” says Ernst Middendorp as looks back on the Soweto Derby. “We focused on our preparations. I am glad the players responded the way they did. Most importantly we collected the three points.”
Chiefs beat Pirates 1-0 in a thrilling Absa Premiership encounter played at a sold-out FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
“Our focus and plan were not necessarily to stop Gabadhino Mhango, Vincent Pule, Thembikosi Lorch and Luvuyo Memela as many thought. We played to win the match, and that is what happened,” reveals the German mentor. “We made certain tactical plans at the backline. Reeve Frosler for example, you would have expected him to operate on the right side, but that is when you don’t have the profile of the player like Reeve. Reeve played as a left fullback at the U17 World Cup in Chile. This is a player that is versatile after growing up as a midfielder at junior levels.”
Kearyn Baccus made a welcome return to the starting line-up, much to the delight of the coach. “I was pleased with Kearyn’s contribution,” adds Middendorp. “He played more as a wing but was also getting involved in the centre of the midfield. His mainly was to use the channels on the wings and create some possibilities for us. I saw him at training and thought he deserved a reward for his hard work.
“The win came as a result of a team effort. Daniel Akpeyi gave a Man of the Match performance with some superb shot stopping moments. However, there were moments where I thought we didn’t use our transition properly. Manyama scored a beauty and I think he did well in his role.
“We have a couple of players that picked up some knocks. Willard Katsande is a concern with a knee injury, but we will get the medicals and know their status. I am satisfied with how Akumu Agay slotted in after replacing Willard. He is an experienced player and he did well for the team.
“Going forward against AmaZulu next week, it is not going to be easy. I don’t think AmaZulu are where they are supposed to be at the bottom of the log. We will prepare well for them.”
Usuthu arrive in Johannesburg to face Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday, 7th March 2020 for a 20:15 kick-off at FNB Stadium.
Chiefs beat Pirates 1-0 in a thrilling Absa Premiership encounter played at a sold-out FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
“Our focus and plan were not necessarily to stop Gabadhino Mhango, Vincent Pule, Thembikosi Lorch and Luvuyo Memela as many thought. We played to win the match, and that is what happened,” reveals the German mentor. “We made certain tactical plans at the backline. Reeve Frosler for example, you would have expected him to operate on the right side, but that is when you don’t have the profile of the player like Reeve. Reeve played as a left fullback at the U17 World Cup in Chile. This is a player that is versatile after growing up as a midfielder at junior levels.”
Kearyn Baccus made a welcome return to the starting line-up, much to the delight of the coach. “I was pleased with Kearyn’s contribution,” adds Middendorp. “He played more as a wing but was also getting involved in the centre of the midfield. His mainly was to use the channels on the wings and create some possibilities for us. I saw him at training and thought he deserved a reward for his hard work.
“The win came as a result of a team effort. Daniel Akpeyi gave a Man of the Match performance with some superb shot stopping moments. However, there were moments where I thought we didn’t use our transition properly. Manyama scored a beauty and I think he did well in his role.
“We have a couple of players that picked up some knocks. Willard Katsande is a concern with a knee injury, but we will get the medicals and know their status. I am satisfied with how Akumu Agay slotted in after replacing Willard. He is an experienced player and he did well for the team.
“Going forward against AmaZulu next week, it is not going to be easy. I don’t think AmaZulu are where they are supposed to be at the bottom of the log. We will prepare well for them.”
Usuthu arrive in Johannesburg to face Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday, 7th March 2020 for a 20:15 kick-off at FNB Stadium.
