Maritzburg United boss Ernst Middendorp turned defensive when queried over his tactics against Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday evening.

With Sundowns opting to rotate heavily ahead of their cup commitments, Middendorp nevertheless deployed a defensive formation which included three central defenders.

‘We played four months ago the same formation, same style and pressing moment and it’s not new,’ Middendorp told the media after the game, reports KickOff.

‘We had possibilities and we had options and I have used it the last four months. I have played the same formation and now you discovered it today after four months and you discovered it first?’ the coach continued, in an agitated fashion.

The Team of Choice have nevertheless made a respectable start to the season as the draw against the champions followed a hard fought 1-0 victory over Bloemfontein Celtic in their opening game of the season.

Maritzburg are next in action when they face SuperSport United at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Wednesday, September 21.

The action will get underway at 19:30.