Middendorp says Maritzburg revival is a long process
Frequently regarded as a onedimensional coach who prioritises the results over attractive football, Maritzburg United coach Ernst Middendorp has disclosed that his philosophy is always dependent on what he has at his disposal.
In what was his maiden game since returning for his third spell at the club nearly two weeks ago, Middendorp aided Maritzburg to bag their first point of the season after holding Mamelodi Sundowns to a 1-1 draw at Harry Gwala Stadium over the weekend.
Kwanda Mngonyama netted on the hour-mark to level matters after Themba Zwane had put the Brazilians ahead just two minutes after the halfhour mark.
Last season many questioned Middendorp’s tactical acumen as his then club Kaizer Chiefs fell at the last hurdle to allow Sundowns to win the league on the final day.
Middendorp was criticised for lacking Plan B as he always relied on set pieces to score.
Quizzed if he would use the same philosophy at the Team of Choice, the German insinuated he worked with what he had without really being worried about the style of play.
“Look at what’s available, not look for excuses and don’t complain... don’t start crying and say it won’t work. I win a lot of [games] in the highest level to talk about long balls, short balls,” Middendorp said.
As much as he relishes the assignment to help the Team of Choice avoid relegation, Middendorp has acknowledged it will take time for him to stabilise the KZN club.
“It ’ s a long process.
“I said it already, this project won ’ t end in December or January... to get in a safe area it’ll take time.”
Meanwhile, Cape Town City have never lost a home match against Orlando Pirates since their formation in 2016 and the Citizens kept that record intact in the lively 2-2 DStv Premiership draw at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch on Saturday.
A spectacular swerving long-range ground shot by Abbubaker Mobara looked to give City all the three points to make it 2-1‚ with three goals banged in by just the 32nd minute in a match that was not short of goal-scoring opportunities at both ends in both halves.