Maritzburg United will be facing their former coach when they take on Kaizer Chiefs in the Telkom Knockout semi-final in Nelspruit on Sunday.
Ernst Middendorp was the Team of Choice’s saviour three years ago when he rose to the challenge to help them stave off relegation from the Absa Premiership.
However, Maritzburg chairman Farook Kadodia insists there will be no pulling of punches when the two teams lock horns at Mbombela Stadium.
“We are not enemies but there are no friends in football,” said Kadodia, according to IOL.
“At the end of the day we each have a job to do. We keep it professional.
“I do speak with Ernst now and again. I don’t think it is the right time for me to speak to him but I’ll speak to him after the game.
“Amakhosi are in a rich vein of form and so are Maritzburg. We are set for a blockbuster encounter.
“I’m happy we are in the semi-finals. Chiefs are taking us to Mbombela Stadium.
“It is not easy for a coastal team as we travel to Mpumalanga and on Wednesday we are back in Maritzburg to play SuperSport, and next Sunday we are playing AmaZulu.
“(But) I firmly believe that we can beat Chiefs and go into the final.”