“The first three games were key in our plans,” says Ernst Middendorp. “I am happy with the results so far. We could have collected maximum out of the three games, but I’m happy.”

An upbeat Middendorp reflected on current form (two wins and a draw) upon the team’s landing at Cape Town international airport on Monday afternoon.

“The game against City is too close after playing another huge match on Saturday,” adds the German mentor. “We had to split the preparation in recovery and loading phases concurrently.

The one positive we brought here is that the players that picked up knocks on Saturday made it into the traveling squad.”

Here Middendorp is referring to Mulomowandau Mathoho and Khama Billiat who both were substituted on Saturday.

Chiefs are in the Mother City to face Benni McCarthy’s Cape Town City under the floodlights (19:30) at Newlands Stadium.

“City are in good shape. They just had a bad day in their MTN8 Cup exit but otherwise they are a dangerous side. If you check they’ve not effected much change in their team from last season, which is a plus for them.

“We’ve got new players coming in and others that we didn’t have available due to injuries last season, but already you can see progress - the team is gelling well. We have planned to give a good performance tonight,” he concludes.

Supporters are encouraged to make their way to the stadium early.