Middendorp berates Chiefs fans for booing his substitutions

The Amakhosi faithful were expecting Lazarous Kambole to be the one pulled off and were unhappy when it was Baccus’ number that went up and started booing.

“With Kearyn Baccus… like I said it already, you guys know more than I know and you are all on the safe side. 20 000 are booing, it’s unbelievable in my 25 years as coach,” he said.

He then explained that he was trying to avoid Baccus aggravating a groin strain that he had carried from their last game to ensure he is available for the next match.

“At half time Baccus was already not okay in terms of his groin which was definitely giving in. I asked him about it, that’s the communication that we should trust. The communication between the players and the technical team including the physio and medics. It’s a bit of a disappointment but like I said as supporters, as fans you guys are always right. Continue, no problem…

“I have sole responsibility and I cannot make him stay in… we have already George (Maluleka) out, and definitely not available for Tuesday. Itu Khune out, definitely not available for Tuesday. We have Samir
(Nurkovic) out and not available for Tuesday. I can continue (counting them)… Dumisani Zuma, I don’t know… (Siphosakhe) Ntiya-Ntiya, I don’t know.

“We have to work on it in the next three days and that’s it. But again, the supporters are great. The fans are great. The media are great. Everything is fine for me. I will take a nice glass of wine this evening
and be happy.”

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