Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has expressed an admiration for Ernst Middendorp and the job he is doing at Kaizer Chiefs, saying that the Soweto giants will be a team to watch next year.

The German tactician took over the hot seat at Naturena in December when he replaced Giovanni Solinas after a below par start to the season.

Middendorp has had a notable impact on the Soweto giants, as he has improved their defensive solidity while also implementing a more structured game play.

Amakhosi advanced to the last four of the Nedbank Cup over the weekend with an impressive 2-0 win over Cape Town City, and Mosimane, speaking to the media after his side’s draw with Orlando Pirates on Monday, revealed an admiration for Middendorp and his ‘highly tactical’ football.

‘Coach Middendorp is awkward. He plays very awkward football,’ said the Sundowns coach.

‘It’s highly tactical. It’s unbelievable‚ the tactics. He plays his own way. He’s brave. He can put anybody on the bench.

‘He doesn’t care. He can play with Bruce Bvuma in goal. Ask me if my fourth goalkeeper would take over? His fourth goalkeeper took over.

‘Because ”Itu” (Itimeleng Khune) is first choice. And I would say Willem Vries and Daniel Akpeyi are second or third.

‘He [Middendorp] is doing it. No issues‚ no problems. He is bringing in the youngsters and they are coming up. I think Chiefs are a team to watch next year,’ he concluded.

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