Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp has praised the Amakhosi management for their work behind the scenes during the nationwide lockdown period.

The 2019-20 Absa Premiership season was suspended along with all football in the country due to the coronavirus pandemic plaguing South Africa.

The Glamour Boys were sitting at the summit of the league standings, with 48 points from 22 games played before the suspension.

However, Middendorp insists that he is pleased to be working at Chiefs with players who are highly professional and understand their responsibilities very well during these difficult times.

‘We are in a good position, thanks to our management. For example, we were able to bring on board an external stimulus in the form of diversity training – that’s where players can express their own fears without coaches interrupting their expressions,’ Middendorp told his club’s official website.

‘Just to see their body language is pleasing. This is what we worked on from the moment we went into the pre-season camp. We introduced a listening method – it’s a way of listening to the input of players, through discussions, to help us guide the way forward.

‘The players are at the centre of the methods we are applying,’ he explained. ‘And we ask for feedback, from the experienced and the young players alike.

‘For example, Willard Katsande got injured at some stage and one option was to replace him with Njabulo Blom. However, he was recovering from injury and therefore not available.

‘We discussed it and together we looked at various options available – this is different from “tell and tell” on how it should be done. For example, we all know what a good player Lazalous Kambole is and we are working hard to have him show his full potential.

‘What is important now is that we all want to become better. That is the understanding of the team and everybody is making a contribution to achieve that.’

On what’s keeping the Amakhosi coach busy during the lockdown period, Middendorp concluded:

‘I use the opportunity [granted under Covid-19 alert level 4) to walk around the block between 6am and 9am. I also try to eat well.

‘The eating part is thanks to the help and guidance from my wife.’