As the week has worn on we have got back into the business of preparing for our weekend’s clash against Black Leopards in the ABSA Cup quarterfinals. We are looking to progress beyond Leopards and into the semifinals.

I am a firm believer in taking things a game at a time and before we divulge in the temptation of talking about Pirates or Sundowns in the semifinals there is the small job of winning the quarterfinals first. I have observed Black Leopards over the past two weeks and have been impressed by the massive strides they have made and are improving game by game.

Leopards were narrowly beaten by Pirates this past weekend and were probably hard done by the result and should have at least have taken a point out of the game. Prior to that game they defeated SuperSport United 2-0 away from home. We are expecting a tough game but we are ready and prepared for them. They do prefer to play a quick counterattacking game as we found out when we drew 2-2 with them in December.

The key players for Leopards recently have been strikers Rudzani Ramudzuli and Mulondo Sikhiwivhilu who between them have found the back of the net on thirteen occasions. The pair have also been well supported by midfielder Robert Ngambi who himself has got in on the act scoring five goals so far this season.

From our side all our preparations are going according to plan and we do not have any new injuries to talk about. We are also suspension free this weekend and have a full compliment of players to choose from. At this stage, before an important cup game, a team must have confidence in their own abilities that they are capable of going all the way - and at the moment we have the correct attitude as well as the correct mindset.

We are hungry for success in the cup and this hunger added to our strong self belief will see us through against Leopards. This time around we are looking to win the game within ninety minutes and would like to avoid the nerve wrecking finish that we suffered against City Pillars; I do not think that my heart will be able to take such strain again.

To everyone going away for the Easter holidays, have a safe journey, act responsibly on the roads and enjoy your holidays wherever you may spend them. To those of you staying at home do come out to the FNB Stadium on Saturday evening, as we do need all the support we can get. Supporters at the game make such a difference to the players. The players always play for you.

Yours in Love & Peace

Ernst Middendorp


Kaizer Chiefs Head Coach