Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp was quick to put the lid on any excessive expectation about his side’s chances of finally ending their trophy drought and winning the Nedbank Cup.
Chiefs beat Cape Town City 2-0 in convincing style at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Sunday to book a semifinal spot against Chippa United away in Port Elizabeth on the Easter weekend.
“I watched their game against Wits on Saturday night and Chippa were very impressive to come back.
“There were some fantastic goals‚” Middendorp said of the 4-4 draw against Wits in the quarterfinal tie at the Bidvest stadium, after which Chippa won on post-match penalties.
“It is not by accident that Chippa go to Johannesburg‚ take on Wits‚ which is a chasing for the title, and come away with the win.
“It tells you something. “We will definitely not underestimate them just because they are sitting near the bottom [of the Premier Soccer League table].
“We will definitely respect them because they deserve to be in the semifinal‚” he said.
But it will be Chippa who will have more to fear than Chiefs if Middendorp’s side can reproduce the performance they put up against City in Nelspruit.
The German got his tactics spot on‚ playing with three centre-backs in the first half and pressing City high, then changing at halftime in anticipation of a City onslaught after the break‚ and looking to catch them on the counterattack.
“The plan is one part but the execution is another part.
“The plan was well executed by the players‚” Middendorp said.
“The game was something you want to see in a cup quarterfinal – based on the performance and the result‚ we fully deserved to qualify.
“But I was a little irritated the score was only 1-0 at halftime.”
Chiefs missed several chances to add to Pule Ekstein’s 30th-minute goal before the break.
“A second or third goal would have made it a lot more comfortable.”
Middendorp also hailed the 38‚000-strong crowd who provided a vociferous atmosphere.
“I’ve had three games now at this venue and the support we enjoy here is marvellous.
“It is an absolute pleasure to play in front of a big crowd who make it a joyful event,” he said.
Chiefs not celebrating big win yet
Defeating Chippa still a challenge
Image: ASHLEY VLOTMAN/GALLO IMAGES
Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp was quick to put the lid on any excessive expectation about his side’s chances of finally ending their trophy drought and winning the Nedbank Cup.
Chiefs beat Cape Town City 2-0 in convincing style at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Sunday to book a semifinal spot against Chippa United away in Port Elizabeth on the Easter weekend.
“I watched their game against Wits on Saturday night and Chippa were very impressive to come back.
“There were some fantastic goals‚” Middendorp said of the 4-4 draw against Wits in the quarterfinal tie at the Bidvest stadium, after which Chippa won on post-match penalties.
“It is not by accident that Chippa go to Johannesburg‚ take on Wits‚ which is a chasing for the title, and come away with the win.
“It tells you something. “We will definitely not underestimate them just because they are sitting near the bottom [of the Premier Soccer League table].
“We will definitely respect them because they deserve to be in the semifinal‚” he said.
But it will be Chippa who will have more to fear than Chiefs if Middendorp’s side can reproduce the performance they put up against City in Nelspruit.
The German got his tactics spot on‚ playing with three centre-backs in the first half and pressing City high, then changing at halftime in anticipation of a City onslaught after the break‚ and looking to catch them on the counterattack.
“The plan is one part but the execution is another part.
“The plan was well executed by the players‚” Middendorp said.
“The game was something you want to see in a cup quarterfinal – based on the performance and the result‚ we fully deserved to qualify.
“But I was a little irritated the score was only 1-0 at halftime.”
Chiefs missed several chances to add to Pule Ekstein’s 30th-minute goal before the break.
“A second or third goal would have made it a lot more comfortable.”
Middendorp also hailed the 38‚000-strong crowd who provided a vociferous atmosphere.
“I’ve had three games now at this venue and the support we enjoy here is marvellous.
“It is an absolute pleasure to play in front of a big crowd who make it a joyful event,” he said.
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