The new coaching duo of Ernst Middendorp flanked by Shaun Bartlett walked onto the pitch at Mbombela Stadium to take Amakhosi through the pre-match training session on Tuesday afternoon. 

“You will see a completely different approach,” said Middendorp, as he took his charges through pre-match tactics in anticipation of the league clash against SuperSport United tonight (kick-off is at 19:30).

“It has been three days of focusing mainly on adapting the team into a new mode and approach. I’m happy to see that the players are gradually getting the message.” 

A breeze of fresh air and energy engulfed the training session with assistant coach Bartlett involved in marshalling the troops through the session.

The new head coach collaborated well with Bartlett, who was thoroughly involved in the team setting. 

“SuperSport play with a lot of energy,” Middendorp remarked. “They come to us at a point where we want to unlock the potential of the team. We know what our players are capable of.

“What we need is just getting their confidence back. I watched a few clips and noticed that the players took a knock from the Soweto Derby loss. We must get that fighting spirit back.”

Kick-off is at 19:30.

Ramahlwe Mphahlele and Mulomowandau Mathoho are both out with long-term injured. “We have to compensate for those and come up with a solution,” the German coach commented. We have options and players ready to take the responsibility.”

“We will field a strong team,” concluded Middendorp. “SuperSport have several key players and they play well as a team. I am sure that it will be a good match.”