Cape Town - Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp lamented his side's performance in their 1-0 loss to Polokwane City in an Absa Premiership clash at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
Jabulani Maluleke’s 16th-minute penalty was the only goal of the match, handing Amakhosi their first league loss of the season.
Middendorp admitted his side were second-best on the day but was disappointed with the number of long balls they attempted after going behind.
“It wasn’t our game. We played consistent long balls. It was good central defensive work from the opponents. We had too many long balls from our side," Middendorp told SuperSport TV.
"On the other hand, we had possibilities to equalise or to make it happen, we tried but we didn’t find the right keys. We had to be calm and more composed but that was definitely missing in our game today.
"If you allow them to have a 1-0 lead with the penalty, then it’s even more difficult because this team they sit back with nine guys around.
"And then you have to have quick ball circulation and not with high balls in the centre-back roles and we have been too erratic. We have to do it differently and we can do it different."
Despite suffering a defeat, Amahosi remain top of the league table, albeit on goal difference.
Their next fixture is against AmaZulu on Heritage Day on September 24.
- TeamTalk Media