Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp says he is ready to unleash Lebogang Manyama up front against Elgeco Plus in the upcoming Caf Confederation Cup encounter.

The new Amakhosi coach got his tenure at the club off to a positive start and has already claimed two wins from his first two games in charge, while his side are yet to concede since he took over from Giovanni Solinas.

The Glamour Boys are set to depart for Madagascar on Friday as they continue to prepare for their return leg against Elgeco Plus in Antananarivo on Saturday.

Middendorp admits that Manyama has has been playing well in a deep role, but would like to position him further up the pitch to create more of a presence on the field.

‘I’ve been playing Manyama deep in the midfield‚’ Middendorp told the media.

‘It gives him a little bit more of a chance to manage himself.

‘Everybody knows that he arrived at the club at the start of the season and then he had the car accident and was out of training.

‘That has meant he has not been capable of moving up and down for the full 90 minutes.

‘We will shift him up front, but at the moment‚ against this type of opponent his positioning is‚ I think‚ quite helpful for him.

‘He comes through‚ he can manage it‚ supporting players‚ running into gaps and I think he is doing very well.’

Middendorp says he has been satisfied with Katsande’s performance thus far, but feels he can improve his game even further.

‘We’ve had some sessions and shown him some videos of what we expect from a player in his position‚’ he added.

‘There is the defensive part‚ of course‚ and he is strong in this area.

‘But on the other hand, you have to contribute in terms of really being a ball receiver, and at the same time distributing it in a proper, yet simple and easy way.

‘The simplicity is the quality. From what I’ve seen so far‚ it’s all good.’