Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp feels his side deserved all three points after putting in a good performance against an unpredictable AmaZulu side on Tuesday.
The Glamour Boys returned to winning ways after claiming a 2-0 victory over Usuthu at the King Zwelithini Stadium, and now have four wins, one draw and one defeat from six matches played so far this season.
The victory moved Amakhosi back to the summit of the league standings on 13 points, level with second-placed Polokwane City, after two late goals from Leonardo Castro and Khama Billiat.
Middendorp believes that the match officials did a good job during their clash with AmaZulu, although he got booked in the first half.
‘It’s quite hectic. I think the referees did a good job. I understand that you’re fighting to stay in the league, the way AmaZulu is handling the game,’ Middendorp told SuperSport TV after the game.
‘Good we messed it up a little bit, in a very dominating 30 minutes where we had our opportunities, lost a little bit of rhythm but we got it back in the second half, we pressed and moved forward, good. I think in the end, a fully deserved three points. There’s no doubt about it.
‘There was a moment in the first 30-40 minutes where Kearyn Baccus was showing that he had a groin problem and then Ntiya-Ntiya came in, we had to display it [the game] differently. But Baccus, with the players we have on injuries … to have combinations, Leonardo Castro to get his first goal, it’s a clear factor to make the first goal. I’m very happy for Leonardo.
‘You know I’ve said it several times, I don’t know where these rumours come from I’m a defensive coach. I have no idea. We have really done our reputation in terms of scouting, that we need the players in the front, going to Zambia, keeping Leonardo, having Dumi [Dumisani Zuma], having [Lazarous] Kambole. More players who make it variable for us.
‘These players were not there last season. They were not even able to play for Chiefs. I think this is something when you have the ingredients then it equals a good meal and we have seen it today,’ he concluded.
Kaizer Chiefs will be hoping to extend their winning run when they host Baroka in their next Absa Premiership encounter at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, with kick-off set for 6pm.
