Pirates change room made it uncomfortable for Chiefs, claims Middendorp

Amakhosi hosted Bidvest Wits and played to a 1-1 draw, with the visitors grabbing a late equaliser to deny Ernst Middendorp’s side a three points that would have seen them open a six point lead at the top of the standings.

READ: Chiefs coach Middendorp takes a dig at Sundowns over Maluleka switch

The Naturena-based side are now four points clear of Mamelodi Sundowns, who have a game on hand.

Asked about the feeling of occupying their biggest rivals Orlando Pirates’ change room for the first time, Middendorp conceded that it had been a little unsettling.

“It was strange. Being a rival of Orlando Pirates, when you look around you saw faces of the heroes of Orlando Pirates everywhere. It wasn’t comfortable and doesn’t make you feel at home,” said the Amakhosi mentor who was strangely unanimated on the dugout on the night.

He explained that they had discussed with his technical team that they can’t be insistent on the players after the lengthy break.

“We discussed as a technical team that the expectations are high so we have to be a bit more relaxed and leave it with the players they know what to do. But push hem at some point but not too much.

“You have to give them the feeling that what they are doing is right, they will judge it, they will correct it themselves.

“We are in a space where we have to be a bit more calm and supportive in a productive way,” said the 61-year-old German-born mentor.