Posted in News, Team News on Jan 30, 2019.
“We have to exert maximum pressure on City,” said coach Ernst Middendorp after taking his charges through a pre-match training session on Tuesday afternoon. “They have quality and they have a set-up somewhat similar as Bidvest Wits.
“They’ve good players and have an abundance of experience in their team. We therefore have to be very precise in our approach.”
Kaizer Chiefs will host Cape Town City tonight at FNB Stadium in an Absa Premiership encounter. Kick-off is at 19:30.
The Cape Town City clash follows a tough trip to East London for a Nedbank Cup fixture in the weekend.
“We played an unexpected 120 minutes of football,” commented Middendorp, looking back at the 1-0 win over Tornado FC in extra time. “We could have done it much easier to minimise the load, as the players covered long distances on a heavy pitch. As a result, we will have to make decisions in terms of the line-up.”
Several players are still out injured – Mario Booysen still has a niggle to his ankle, so is George Maluleka with a calf strain. The duo is joined on the sidelines by Itumeleng Khune, Lebogang Manyama and Mulomowandau Mathoho.
Lorenzo Gordinho has gone through a full training session, while Joseph Molangoane’s road to recovery is getting to the tail end, as he’s presently taking part in training as an extra man.
While playing the cards close to his chest, the Chiefs coach hinted, “Finalising the team sheet will be a last-minute decision. We have to think about it, while the players will also play a role by giving us their input on how they feel. But we have experience in playing back-to-back games and a tough travel schedule to assist us.”
Middendorp will also look at players returning to the squad. “Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya is back from suspension and he will give us options going forward, while Khama Billiat also didn’t travel to East London. We have to find the correct mixture and the right combinations.”
Goal difference separates Chiefs and City on the league table – both sides have 27 points, although Amakhosi have played one game more than tonight’s opponent (respectively 18 and 17 matches).
“We will be fully prepared to play and win this match,” Middendorp concluded.
“They’ve good players and have an abundance of experience in their team. We therefore have to be very precise in our approach.”
Kaizer Chiefs will host Cape Town City tonight at FNB Stadium in an Absa Premiership encounter. Kick-off is at 19:30.
The Cape Town City clash follows a tough trip to East London for a Nedbank Cup fixture in the weekend.
“We played an unexpected 120 minutes of football,” commented Middendorp, looking back at the 1-0 win over Tornado FC in extra time. “We could have done it much easier to minimise the load, as the players covered long distances on a heavy pitch. As a result, we will have to make decisions in terms of the line-up.”
Several players are still out injured – Mario Booysen still has a niggle to his ankle, so is George Maluleka with a calf strain. The duo is joined on the sidelines by Itumeleng Khune, Lebogang Manyama and Mulomowandau Mathoho.
Lorenzo Gordinho has gone through a full training session, while Joseph Molangoane’s road to recovery is getting to the tail end, as he’s presently taking part in training as an extra man.
While playing the cards close to his chest, the Chiefs coach hinted, “Finalising the team sheet will be a last-minute decision. We have to think about it, while the players will also play a role by giving us their input on how they feel. But we have experience in playing back-to-back games and a tough travel schedule to assist us.”
Middendorp will also look at players returning to the squad. “Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya is back from suspension and he will give us options going forward, while Khama Billiat also didn’t travel to East London. We have to find the correct mixture and the right combinations.”
Goal difference separates Chiefs and City on the league table – both sides have 27 points, although Amakhosi have played one game more than tonight’s opponent (respectively 18 and 17 matches).
“We will be fully prepared to play and win this match,” Middendorp concluded.
