Middendorp happy with ‘fantastic’ point against Pirates

Maritzburg United coach Ernst Middendorp had no complaints after their 0-0 draw with Orlando Pirates at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Wednesday night.

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Having lost to SuperSport United and Royal AM in their previous two games, the Team of Choice managed to keep Pirates at bay. This is despite the fact that they had to finish the match with 10 men Brandon Theron was sent off for a reckless tackle on Thabang Monare in the 67th minute.

“Football is not only played with the physical body. It’s played with the brain, with the mindset,” Middendorp told SuperSport TV after the game.

“If you experience two games where you really played, I believe in certain moments the majority of the games, against Royal (AM) and against SuperSport (United), if you concede at the end of the game, in extra time, then you lose,” he added.

“This is very difficult to handle, to manage. This is another step. In terms of passing and forward movement, you have to take a step back to make sure you’re not conceding.

“To make sure you have a point and in particular this combo of Pirates, Chiefs, Sundowns. If you get a point in these type of games, it’s fantastic.”

“We had a few chances on the break. We kept it tight at the back and always knew with the forwards we have, we could pick up a possibility. Now it’s all about looking forward.”

The Team of Choice will next face the struggling TS Galaxy at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Saturday.

Pirates are not involved in the league this weekend as they are playing against Diables Noirs in the second leg of the Caf Confederation Cup on Sunday.

Their next league fixture is against the high-flying Royal AM at home at the Orlando Stadium next Thursday.