Middendorp: Seven-point Lead Gives Chiefs A Good Foundation

Kaizer Chiefs surged into third place in the Betway Premiership standings following a hard-fought 1-0 triumph over Durban City at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium.

In a match defined by grit and tactical discipline, Gavin Hunt’s Durban City locked horns with the co-managed Kaizer Chiefs duo, Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze.

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Both teams carved out opportunities in a cagey contest, but it was Flavio Silva’s late strike that ultimately broke the deadlock and proved decisive.

Chiefs started brightly, with Makabi Lilepo and Mfundo Vilakazi both testing Darren Keet early on, while City’s Mfanafuthi Mkhize fired narrowly over following a set piece.

The first half ended goalless despite half-chances at both ends, including a fine save by Keet from Vilakazi’s long-range effort just before the break.

The second half continued in similar fashion, with City pushing forward through Bokang Mokwena and Fezile Gcaba, while Chiefs gradually took control after a string of substitutions.

The introduction of Gaston Sirino added creativity, and the Uruguayan made an instant impact when his pinpoint cross found Silva in the 88th minute. The Portuguese striker rose highest to glance his header into the top corner, sending the travelling fans into raptures.

Durban City threw everything forward in the closing moments, with Letsie Koapeng forcing a fine save and Kyle Jurgens missing a late chance to equalise.

But Chiefs’ defence, marshalled by Inacio Miguel and Bradley Cross, held firm to secure a hard-fought clean sheet.

The victory lifts Chiefs to third in the standings on 19 points from 10 matches. Durban City, meanwhile, drop to fifth with 15 points from 11 games.

It was a reminder that Chiefs, despite their recent inconsistency, remain one of the Premiership’s most dangerous sides when it matters most.

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Ernst Middendorp admits it was disappointing to draw against Maritzburg United on Sunday but he is satisfied with their seven-point lead.

Amakhosi scored first at Harry Gwala Stadium as Lebogang Manyama found the back of the net, but Judas Moseamedi once again put Chiefs to the sword as he equalised before the break and the two sides remained locked at 1-1 until the end of the Absa Premiership tie.

The draw sees Chiefs’ lead at the top of the standings cut down to seven points, but Middendorp is still happy to take that lead into the second half of the campaign.

“In general for a lot of us it was irritating, we had a very good start, 20 – 25 minutes, we deserved fully the 1-0, must score with the second chance from George [Maluleka], I don’t know actually, he must make it 2-0,” Middendorp told SuperSport TV.

“With this goal we conceded, provided bringing the opponent back into the game, ja we lost it in the remaining game time, the connection, the structure, absolutely in the end we won a point.”

“We have to look into it, it is not unusual, sometimes you watch players work good in the week preparing a game like this and then making mistakes, experienced players in a number where you definitely ask yourself what’s happening? What’s going on?

“But good, it has happened, we won a point, we take it, seven point in front at the time of the end of the first-half of the season and I think it’s a good structure to start again in 2020.”

On the team’s schedule over the festive period, Middendorp added: “A short one [break], three days, we start on the 27th [of December] preparing our game and of course hopefully everybody is available on the 4th of January [against SuperSport United] and full spirit, ja let’s start again.”

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