Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp revealed why he opted to deploy George Maluleka as club captain in the absence of Itumeleng Khune and Willard Katsande in the victory against Bidvest Wits.

The former Ajax Cape Town and SuperSport United midfielder led the Soweto giants for the second time this season as second-half goals by Leonardo Castro and Hendrick Ekstein guided Amakhosi past the Clever Boys on Wednesday evening.

Middendorp also selected the 30-year-old to skipper the team in the 1-0 victory against SuperSport. Middendorp hailed the midfielder, citing him as one of the most important players in the team.

‘George is one of our very, very important players. All players are equal, but some key players are more equal, and George is definitely somebody who is more equal,’ he said in post-match comments.

‘His Achilles was burning a little bit, but I think it’s just to manage it over the next three or four days, and he will be okay,’ he concluded.

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