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Middendorp opens up on Chiefs coaching pressures

Cape Town - Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp has opened up on the pressures of coaching the South African footballing giant.

The German only took over from Giovanni Solinas in December but as is the case with big clubs, he was thrown straight into the pressure-cooker of producing immediate results.

"It’s always a little bit difficult managing a club like Chiefs or any club of this magnitude,” Middendorp told IOL.

“You must know that you have to win every game. There’s a contract written on the DNA of Kaizer Chiefs. Good! Knowing this, what are you doing (about it)?

"Don’t think about when you were hired. You hurry up to move your legs, brain and entire body to do as much as possible to prepare the team and give them the scenarios and knowledge.

“Hopefully you’ll head in the direction to be successful. In the moment, that’s what we are doing. There’s a clear understanding that we want to win every game. I said that in the Soweto Derby and now it’s this match."

The Chiefs would be without any silverware for a fourth straight season this year if they fail to rally in the Premier Soccer League or Nedbank Cup. On Saturday, they face potential banana skin Magic FC in their Round of 16 Nedbank Cup tie.

Middendorp remained coy about his charges' chances in the competition.

"We have to reach the last eight," he continued.

"I don’t want to make too much comments on what’s possible and where we can go at the end of the season, I only want to progress with the team in how we play. That’s my objective.”

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