Kaizer Chiefs: Middendorp hints at changes for Highlands Park clash

Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp has been forced to consider a few changes, following the 2-1 loss to Supersport United over the weekend.

The Glamour Boys have another assignment on Wednesday night, when they face Highlands Park at FNB Stadium.

Middendorp to call on back-up brigade

The German will have to shuffle his pack, with the unavailability of a few key members of the team for the clash.

Defender Reeve Frosler and star striker Samir Nurkovic each picked up a booking on Saturday, and are both out of Wednesday game through suspension.

However, Middendorp expressed confidence in his back-up brigade.

“We had a forced change with Reeve Frosler coming off, and we introduced Kgotso Moleko,” Middendorp reflected, according to the club’s official website.

“The game was tough, but I guess it wasn’t meant to be. We have three days to prepare for the next match.

“We will look at some reshuffling the team. With Frosler and Samir Nurković out on four bookings, we will make some changes. We have Ramahlwe Mphahlele on standby. As you saw on Saturday, Philani Zulu got an opportunity to play after doing well at training.”

Ernst Middendorp

Pressure mounts on Kaizer Chiefs

Despite the defeat, Chiefs remain on top of the standings, but with a narrow four-point gap on defending champions, Mamelodi Sundowns.

This was the second match in a row where they failed to pick up maximum points.

With another tricky prospect now looming in the form of their next opponents, Middendorp says he did anticipate such a nervy race to the end.

“I have said it on several occasions that this is going to be a tough race,” added Middendorp.

“There will be many tricky games going into the final part of the season. For now, our focus is on the next match against Highlands Park.”

Ernst Middendorp

Chiefs and Highlands Park met in the opening fixture of the season at Makhulong Stadium back in August, where the visitors rallied back from behind to clinch a 3-2 victory.

Wednesday’s match kicks off at 19:30 (SAST).