Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp says just because Bidvest Wits have been sold does not mean the club’s players are already on holiday.
Chiefs play their first competitive fixture in 159 days when they face up to Wits at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday evening (18:00 kickoff).
There have been suggestions the Wits players’ hearts are not in it after the selling of the club to Limpopo-based Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila.
Furthermore, morale is low in the Students’ camp following a 3-2 Nedbank Cup semi-final defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday.
But Middendorp is guarding against complacency and believes there is a still lot to play for for the Wits players as they will be wanting to put themselves in the shop window for a move to one of the big clubs next season.
“I think it is too much and we shouldn’t get carried away to say, ‘Okay, they’ve sold the club and the players are less committed’. Actually, I think the opposite is the case. They want to finish on a high and each and everybody wants to show their value individually and as a team.”
Chiefs have had a fairly untroubled preparation, recording no coronavirus cases and Middendorp says the players are raring to go.
“In the entire six weeks of preparations, we’ve had only four days off. The rest of the days were absolutely work and being well prepared for this big project. We are aware that we have to fulfil the expectations,” he explained.
“If you love your work and what you are doing (you’ll prepare well). And that is what I’ve seen on the final days with the players. There’s been a good mood and attitude towards the game. So everyone is looking forward to the start on Wednesday.”