Posted in News, Team News on Feb 14, 2019.
“They play in the ABC Motsepe League, but we are not going to take it easy. Far from it. It’s our obligation to qualify for the next round of the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals. We are serious about winning, we want to win every match we play.”
Kaizer Chiefs will on Sunday, 17 February visit Magic FC at Port Elizabeth’s Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
The goalkeeping department has been in the spotlight recently at the Amakhosi camp. “Daniel Akpeyi is cup tied and we are forced to make changes and possibly bring in Bruce Bvuma.”
The Nigerian international recently arrived at the club, but he had already played in a Nedbank Cup fixture for his former team, Chippa United – thus making him ineligible to represent Amakhosi in this competition.
“The other absentees are due to injuries that we have reported already,” remarked Middendorp, while referring to the injuries of Itumeleng Khune, Mulomowandau Mathoho and Lebogang Manyama.
“We have to be patient as the technical team. If Akpeyi is not available, we have to make changes.”
The German coach flanked by Daniel Cardoso represented Amakhosi at the Nedbank Cup press conference held at the PSL headquarters on Thursday afternoon.
“We like to build up our play from the back,” said Middendorp. “We have had a chance to practice our tactics during the training sessions we’ve held recently. I’m happy with the preparation.”
“We observed Magic FC last weekend,” added the coach. “We are going to play our best eleven in Port Elizabeth. We had our scouts watch their game. We have information about their structure and way of playing. We will be well prepared to win the match. We aren’t going there relaxed. Above all, it’s about our own ideas and strategy.”
The coach also spoke about Ryan Moon. “It’s difficult for Moon because he had a great time last season and getting a call up for Bafana Bafana. I promoted him while we were together at Maritzburg United.
“His situation is similar to that of Dumsani Zuma. They have both potential, but lack of enough training sessions has contributed to him falling behind in the selection order. He is a talented and qualified young player who’s working hard to get his chance. He will definitely be in the squad this weekend,” concluded Middendorp.
Kick-off for the match on Sunday is at 15:00. Tickets are sold at TicketPro at R40.