Ernst Middendorp Insight
Ernst Middendorp Insight

Posted in News on Mar 08, 2006.

The excitement and suspense surrounding the Absa Cup game is gripping stuff and on Saturday we face SuperSport United in what should be an exciting game.



Our preparations have been going smoothly and everything is on track as we set our sights on finishing the 2005/6 season with a unique Cup double. This result will be a fitting end to what has been a very challenging season. SuperSport are the defending champions and would do anything to hold onto to their crown so I anticipate a tough game for us where we need to be on our toes from the start.

We are at the stage of the season where everyone is peaking in their game, nevertheless we go into every game confident of victory.



Some adjustments need to be made to our style as well as a rotation in manpower when we take into consideration that we play three games in just seven days from this Saturday, including an away game to Santos in Cape Town. A number of players who have not been in action for us in the past four league games could well find themselves playing in the next while.

Right now Amakhosi is in the fortunate position that any player could be drafted at any time and will be able to fit into the scheme of play - such is the high level of competition amongst the players!



First we play United, and thereafter Santos and Swallows. Our next two opponents play a very similar game and all three teams have tall front men who receive long balls from the defense and use their towering advantage over defenders who have difficulty coping with them.



We are looking forward to the challenge that the next three games bring. This is a very important seven day spell for us and we are aiming to place within the ABSA last sixteen as well as make sure of six points to put us in a better position in the title race.



Moving to matters further afield. The national German team was beaten by Italy last week, the score was 4-1. The coach Jurgen Klinsmann said that a lot shouldn’t be read into the loss, I however feel that in any language losing 4-1 means you have serious problems.



Obviously he thinks otherwise, he didn’t attend a World Cup coaches conference held for all 32 participating countries at the World Cup. He also chooses to continue residing in the USA and with the current crisis within the national team in Germany, I stand with Franz Beckenbauer and feel that for the next few months he needs to make his home in Germany.

Surely it makes sense to be closer to the players and the association and it will make matters like communications and preparations with the technical team easier.



That’s it for now, I hope to see you all at the FNB Stadium on Saturday when we play SuperSport, your support is always appreciated! We will connect with you again on Friday, till than carry on spreading the word about love and peace.

Ernst Middendorp


Kaizer Chiefs Head Coach

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