Ernst Middendorp coach of Kaizer Chiefs reacts during the 2020 Nedbank Cup Last 16 match between Highlands Park and Kaizer Chiefs on 22 February 2020 at Makhulong Stadium, Tembisa Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
Middendorp bemoans wasteful Kaizer Chiefs after dropping points
Kaizer Chiefs were made to pay for missed chances by Bidvest Wits at the Orlando Stadium on Wednesday night in the Absa Premiership.
Ernst Middendorp coach of Kaizer Chiefs reacts during the 2020 Nedbank Cup Last 16 match between Highlands Park and Kaizer Chiefs on 22 February 2020 at Makhulong Stadium, Tembisa Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
Kaizer Chiefs head coach Ernst Middendorp was left disappointed with his side’s inability to capitalise on the numerous chances they created against Bidvest Wits after they were ultimately made to pay for their wayward finishing.
Kaizer Chiefs hosted Bidvest Wits at the Orlando Stadium in their first Absa Premiership fixture since the resumption of action of football in the country on Wednesday evening.
The Amakhosi took the lead in the 37th minute through a well guided Samir Nurkovic header. Despite creating numerous chances, Kaizer Chiefs failed to build on their lead and were made to pay for their misses when Bidvest Wits’ Cole Alexander leveled matters in the 89th minute.
We messed it up – Middendorp
Ernst Middendorp believed his Kaizer Chiefs team should have closed the game out in the first-half at the Orlando Stadium after creating various openings.
“It was our first game in five months. I think we messed it up in certain moments in the first half.” Middendorp told SuperSport TV.
“Sometimes when we counter-attacked, when we had this transition, say four against three or five against three, we have to make more out of it. I think that is the dilemma we have to discuss at Kaizer Chiefs.”
Middendorp accepts Kaizer Chiefs draw
Despite failing to build on their lead at the top of the Absa Premiership log standings, Middendorp admitted that Kaizer Chiefs taking a point from a ‘good’ Bidvest Wits side wasn’t the end of the world.
“I think absolutely let me use the words of another coach in the PSL. It’s Wits. Wits are a good team. We took a point. Here under the circumstances. It’s another seven games to go. We have to be alert in every moment. Games against each team in this remaining three weeks will be the same. Everyone will be fighting for various positions in the league.” Middendorp added.
“The games against each team in these remaining three weeks will be the same. There is a fight, there is a spirit. Everyone at Kaizer Chiefs is fighting for something, stay in the league, fighting for winning the championship and fighting for a position in the top eight.
“It is something like this. I’m quite sure that with the potential we have, this transition opportunities, going in five against three, we will do better. I’m quite sure. You can push it nicely in training sessions but the game is different.”
Kaizer Chiefs now have a four point lead at the top of the table however Mamelodi Sundowns have a game in hand. The Amakhosi next turn their attention to Polokwane City who they face on Saturday afternoon at the Loftus Versfeld stadium.
