Posted in News, Team News on Dec 16, 2018.
“We played well though we should have scored more goals,” he said. “The opponents were difficult to break with their disciplined structured play.”
Middendorp watched his side consolidating their dominance towards the end of the match with Leonardo Castro’s brace of goals after taking an early lead through a fierce strike from Philani Zulu.
“The several changes that we effected during the game,” reflected Middendorp. “Philani was drafted in the fullback position as he understood what we required of him (Philani took Godfrey Walusimbi’s position after he was substituted by Siphelele Ntshangase). “We are just worried about Mario Booysen and Khama Billiat who came out with some niggles after the game. We have to monitor them carefully.”
In terms of progressing in the competition, “It is one game at the time,” said Middendorp, “I really don’t know what will happen in the next match, safe to say we are going back to the training ground to recoup and prepare for the trip to Madagascar next week.”
Amakhosi will be traveling to Madagascar to play the 2nd leg encounter on December 22.
Middendorp responded to the sporadic jeers directed at Castro, “Castro is a goal scorer and not an entertainer,” he said. “Thankfully Castro delivered two goals to give us a good aggregate score going away to play in Madagascar. The supporters need to understand the roles of each player.”
Regarding his arrival and reception on his return to Amakhosi, “it is not a one-man show,” reinforced Middendorp. “We are working on relations as a collective and everybody has a role to play. We are managing well so far with two back-to-back wins.”
Middendorp’s arrival has resulted in two consecutive clean sheets and four goals scored, “I wish to have had an opportunity to see Kgotso Moleko again after his performance midweek against SuperSport United,” referred Middendorp. “We utilized the options we had and I’m glad we didn’t concede at home.” Moleko is not registered for CAF games.
Against SuperSport on Wednesday Booysen partnered Daniel Cardoso and on Saturday night Booysen adapted well to partner with Teenage Hadebe. “I am glad we have options,” said Middendorp before responding to the question about some possible movements during the January transfer window, “the market is like shaving,” he said, “you have to keep your eye on the market every day in case a special player becomes available. At Chiefs if there’s a talent that’s available and willing to join us, we will definitely look at that.”
“We are looking forward to the trip to Madagascar. We anticipate a tough game, but we will give it a go. We will do our utmost to proceed to the play offs,” concluded Middendorp.