Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp believes that his side ‘messed up’ their match against Bidvest Wits as they conceded a late leveller to draw 1-1 at the Orlando Stadium in their first game back.

Chiefs came into the game looking to extend their lead at the top after closest title rivals Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns drew on Tuesday evening.

Amakhosi got off to a good start and after applying pressure in the early stages they eventually took the lead through Samir Nurkovic, as the Serbian headed home from a corner with 36 minutes gone.

Wits, however, hit back with just a minute left on the clock which denied Chiefs the chance to extend their lead.

Speaking to SuperSport TV after the game, Middendorp bemoaned his side’s missed chance.

‘It’s a game after five months. Our first game so far. I think we messed it a little bit up in our moments in the first half where we had counter-attacked, when we had this transition. Let’s say sometimes four against three or five against three, we have to make more out of it. I think that is the dilemma we have to discuss.

‘I think absolutely let me use the words of another coach in the PSL. It’s Wits, it’s Wits. Wits are a good team,’ said Middendorp.

‘We took a point here under the circumstances in a run and for me it’s clear it was better getting a point today. It’s another seven games to go. We have to be alert at any time. Games against each team in this remaining three weeks will be the same.

‘There is a fight, there is the spirit. Everybody is fighting for something; staying in the race, fighting for winning the championship, fighting for a position in the top eight and it is something like this.

‘I’m quite sure we will [fight] with the potential we have, this transition opportunities, going in five against three forwards, we will do better. I’m quite sure. You can push it nicely in training sessions but the game is different.’