Middendorp baffled by Chiefs’ poor goalkeeping

Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp is at a loss for words as to why goalkeeping errors have been a constant feature wherever his side has played in 2019.

Of the three keepers used since veteran, Itumeleng Khune pulled out of the rest of the season with a shoulder injury, the inexperienced Bruce Bvuma is the only goal-minder yet to finish a match with an egg on his face, having only made one start – against minnows, The Magic in the Nedbank Cup.

The first of these howlers came in Amakhosi’s first game of the year against Mamelodi Sundowns when Virgil Vries let one slip through his hands, resulting in a goal which led to a 2-1 defeat.

The Namibian international was again in the thick of things against Cape Town City later in January, when another error saw his side concede a 1-0 home defeat.

That last blunder proved to be the 29-year-old’s last to date, as he has been relegated to the sidelines, with new recruit, Daniel Akpeyi being entrusted with the gloves, with Bvuma as his understudy.

However, the Nigerian international has also proved not immune to the odd slip up, as he too failed to gather a shot which resulted in a goal for the opposition as Chiefs were held to a one all draw by Polokwane City over the weekend.

This has left the German tactician baffled.

“Actually, if I could have an explanation for it as to why we conceded such goals against Sundowns, against Cape Town City and again today, I would. This can’t be explained,” Middendorp said on Saturday.

“This is irritating … of course it is not comfortable for us to concede a goal in such a way. I didn’t see any other possibility for Polokwane (to score) and we scored two goals today.”

Middendorp did however say he would continue backing Akpeyi and give him first preference in league games, while Bvuma would don the gloves in the Nedbank Cup.

Amakhosi next play against Highlands Park on Saturday.