Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp has heaped praise on Samir Nurkovic and Leonardo Castro following their performance against Bloemfontein Celtic.

The Glamour Boys extended their winning run in the Absa Premiership to eight games after securing a 5-3 win over Bloemfontein Celtic at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

The victory stretches Chiefs’ lead at the top of the league table to 10 points over second-placed SuperSport United (24) after 13 matches played so far this season.

Speaking on Castro scoring Amakhosi’s 1,000th goal in the PSL era, Middendorp said: ‘Yes, this is an important milestone to achieve. I’m glad Leonardo Castro scored this landmark goal and mainly contributing to a win. These are important highlights and products of the teamwork.

On Nurkovic, who bagged his first and Chiefs’ first hat-trick in six seasons, the coach said: ‘Yes, another one to highlight.

‘It is all in the attitude and the quality of the player. Samir Nurković works tirelessly for the team. He deserved the goals and the Man of the Match tag.’

Kaizer Chiefs will now travel to the Harry Gwala Stadium when they take on Maritzburg United in their next Absa Premiership clash on 22 December, with kick-off scheduled for 3:30pm.