Chiefs coach Middendorp explains surprise substitutions
Kaizer Chiefs head coach Ernst Middendorp has revealed why he substituted Philani Zulu and Khama Billiat during their 1-0 win over Maritzburg United on Saturday night.
Ernst Middendorp, coach of Kaizer Chiefs (Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix)
Zulu was replaced by defensive midfielder Willard Katsande just 26 minutes into the match.
“It was very clear. I was hoping we were coming into a winning mentality in particularly this area (left flank). I was not expecting the long balls coming into this area all the time,” Middendorp told SuperSport TV.
READ: Zuma leads Chiefs to victory against Maritzburg
“Then you see the value of (Willard) Katsande. You see Katsande was necessary to change and not wait till half-time. It has nothing to do with the quality of Philani Zulu.
“He (Zulu) is another type of midfielder, and but at this moment it was very clear we needed Katsande, a winning-ball midfielder and I think he has done well,” he added.
Billiat was pulled out prior to the start of the second half and was replaced by debutant Nkosingiphile Ngcobo.
“We needed a different approach. We had some moments where I’m missing someone to drive into the front,” the former Maritzburg coach said.
“He (Billiat) was injured. We have to give him a little bit of time. I know he’s a fantastic player, but it didn’t work to our advantage,” explained Middendorp.
“I decided to bring in another type of player in the centre with Bernard Parker co-operating with a little more power and more heavyweight, and with Ngcobo and Zuma light-footed from the side. The inverted position from Zuma brought us a goal,” concluded the German coach.
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