Amakhosi are still in the title race – Middendorp
KAIZER Chiefs continue to drop important points at a crucial stage of the season but their coach, Ernst Middendorp, is still adamant that they can put in a challenge for Absa Premiership honours.
Amakhosi shared the spoils with SuperSport United at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Friday in a 1-1 stalemate. Amakhosi had an opportunity to make some inroads as Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns were busy with their CAF Champions League assignments this past weekend but fluffed that chance.
Chiefs are seventh on the log with 36 points after 24 games. They are seven points behind the log leaders, Sundowns, who have 43 points after 23 games.
Middendorp is hopeful that the other title contenders will slip-up and they can pounce.
“If we won, we would have came close (to other title challengers) but at the same time we know that Orlando Pirates are going to play Black Leopards and you don’t win there easily. Orlando Pirates will play Bidvest Wits, Orlando Pirates will play Mamelodi Sundowns. They are still going to play each other and if they draw and we are capable of winning our own games and then let us wait and see. Actually, we will take one game at the time,” Middendorp said.
Chiefs will lock horns against Baroka, Black Leopards, Lamontville Golden Arrows, Bloemfontein Celtic, Free State Stars and Chippa United in their last six league games. For now they will switch their attention in to the Nedbank Cup where they will square off against Cape Town City.
“Our target now is the cup game on the 31st of March (against Cape Town City). We will do everything to be well prepared and bring the performance in the field of play and also be successful,” Middendorp explained.
Chiefs are looking to end their barren run of four years without a silverware. Amakhosi haven’t lifted a trophy since 2015 when Stuart Baxter was still at the helm. Amakhosi will be looking to go all the way in the Nedbank Cup.