Kaizer Chiefs head coach Ernst Middendorp wants his charges to show the right mindset when they take on Mamelodi Sundowns in a crucial Absa Premiership clash on Thursday.
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Chiefs lead the league standings but only have a three-point cushion protecting them from second-placed Sundowns as they prepare to clash at Orlando Stadium at 6pm.
Middendorp wants to see Amakhosi pull out all the stops against the Brazilians, and added that he may need to look at rotating some of his more weary players to ensure the team is as fresh as possible.
“Mainly we are focused on our team – I think that’s understandable‚” Middendorp said in his pre-match online press conference as per Times Live.
“And I should mention that the players have done an incredible job‚ considering the team is nearly the same starting XI that finished last season‚ being top of the PSL for nearly the entire season – 22 or 23 match days.
“… It’s my job at the moment to really go deeper into this squad we have available. To check out the selection of the starting XI who are available considering the injury status and fitness level.
“Considering what we have seen in this bubble‚ which is that there is quite a diversity in fitness levels between players for some reason. And of course, we have to find the players who are capable of handling such an emotional event this Thursday.
“We have to be focused. We have to show the competitive attitude‚ in particular knowing what is at stake. But finally, to sum up, we are excited. We are looking forward to having this game on Thursday and we cannot wait.”
