Middendorp wants to finish the season successfully

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Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp is relishing the chance to finish the 2019-20 campaign on a successful note when the Absa Premiership resumes.

The Glamour Boys currently sit at the summit of the league standings with 48 points from 22 games, having won 15, drawn three and conceded four defeats so far this season.

However, Amakhosi’s surge for their first league title since the 2014-15 campaign has came to a standstill after all football matches in South Africa was suspended due to the ongoing threat of the coronavirus pandemic.

The German mentor has shared his thoughts on the current situation his side are facing during the countries lock down.

‘Suspending the league season indefinitely is a huge challenge with regards to keeping the players sharp and fit,’ Middendorp told his club’s official website.

‘We have to deal with different scenarios. The players need to be very professional. We can only guide them adequately using modern technology (video conferences, etc). I am glad that everybody has been professional so far.

‘We must all be aware of our responsibilities. In this time of self-isolation, it’s very important to lift one another’s spirits. We make sure that we maintain contact through technological means with each other during the COVID-19 outbreak.’

Although Middendorp is eager to return to the pitch and continue their season, he understands that the country as to follow the instruction of the government in order to prevent the spread of the deadly virus.

‘Of course, I wish to be on the training ground at any time and I hope to be back at Naturena soon, because we want to finish the season successfully,’ he said.

‘However, currently, we have to take care, heed the call to stay home and not move outside to avoid the expansion of the virus.

He added: ‘Currently, we are working online with the players individually. We have provided them with a platform for their own performance analysis. The players are receiving video clips that they need to watch. We are also discussing challenges with the guys.

‘As a coach and as the technical team, we are in touch on a regular basis,talking about the way forward based on the reflection of our games played so far.

‘I am not only using the time to prepare for our return to action, I have also been busy with the review and report of the season as things stand,’ he concludes.