Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp has urged the club’s supporters to rally behind the team as they look to end their trophy drought by lifting the Absa Premiership title this season.

The Glamour Boys’ title chase were recently dented after suffering a shock 2-1 defeat to Maritzburg United at the FNB Stadium last week.

As a result, Mamelodi Sundowns, who beat Bloemfontein Celtic 2-1 on Wednesday, moved up to second place and closed the gap to just four points with 10 games remaining in the season.

However, Middendorp is confident that his side can go all the way and lift the first league trophy in five years.

‘Everybody should be very happy to be in a challenging situation and being able, in March, to win the championship. It’s something they haven’t been able to experience over the last five years,’ Middendorp told reporters.

‘Now everybody should really support and really be with the team in each and every moment, it doesn’t matter in a cup game, home or wherever, we are aware of it.

‘Everybody knows what is at stake and they know exactly what was achieved so far, there’s no doubt about it. We have very smart, intelligent supporters on the Kaizer Chiefs side and we will see it in the near future.’

Kaizer Chiefs will take on Highlands Park at the Makhulong Stadium when the two sides clash in the Nedbank Cup last 16 on Saturday with kick-off set for 3pm.