kaizer chiefs

Ernst Middendorp, coach of Kaizer Chiefs during the Absa Premiership 2019/20 match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium, Soweto on the 29 February 2020 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix.

Middendorp hails Chiefs ‘team effort’ after Soweto Derby win

The Kaizer Chiefs coach kept intact his impressive record in the Soweto Derby with another win over Orlando Pirates.

kaizer chiefs

Ernst Middendorp, coach of Kaizer Chiefs during the Absa Premiership 2019/20 match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium, Soweto on the 29 February 2020 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix.

Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp was chuffed with how the team held together to defeat rivals Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby on Saturday.

For the second time in as many spells under the German, the Glamour Boys overcame their biggest foes both home and away in a single season as they completed a 1-0 victory at FNB Stadium.

Team effort does it for Kaizer Chiefs

While some individuals, such as goal-scorer Lebogang Manyama and man of the match Daniel Akpeyi, stood out during the encounter, Middendorp believes it was team effort that secured the result.

“The win came as a result of a team effort,” Middendorp told the Kaizer Chiefs official website.

“Daniel Akpeyi gave a Man of the Match performance with some superb shot-stopping moments. However, there were moments where I thought we didn’t use our transition properly. Manyama scored a beauty and I think he did well in his role.”

Ernst Middendorp

Title hopes still alive at Naturena 

Manyama’s long-range stunner was his first in the Soweto Derby, and calmed the nerves in the Chiefs camp throughout the encounter.

Leading a superb defensive effort was Akpeyi, who kept his first clean sheet in the fixture after three previous attempts.

There were other honourable mentions in the likes of defender Reeve Frosler and attacking midfielder Kearyn Baccus – who both put on notable shifts throughout the 90 minutes. 

Victory, however, did not come at zero cost for Chiefs, with the German revealing some injury concerns ahead of their next fixture. 

“We have a couple of players that picked up some knocks. Willard Katsande is a concern with a knee injury, but we will get the medicals and know their status. I am satisfied with how Akumu Agay slotted in after replacing Willard. He is an experienced player and he did well for the team.”

Ernst Middendorp

Next up for Amakhosi is a return to FNB Stadium, this time as the home side, when they take on the struggling AmaZulu on Saturday.

Middendorp is adamant that his side will be adequately prepared against a side desperate to stave off relegation.

“Going forward against AmaZulu next week, it is not going to be easy. I don’t think AmaZulu are where they are supposed to be at the bottom of the log. We will prepare well for them.”

Ernst Middendorp

Chiefs beat AmaZulu 2-0 in the reverse fixture at King Zwelithini Stadium. Kick-off on Saturday is at 20:15 (SAST).