Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp is pleased with the way certain players stepped up when given an opportunity against Black Leopards.
Middendorp made no less than seven changes to his side that suffered a 1-0 defeat to Baroka a week prior, bringing in Khama Billiat, Kabelo Mahlasela, Willard Katsande, Mario Booysen, Lorenzo Gordinho, Reeve Frosler and Daniel Akpeyi as they drew 1-1 with Leopards on Saturday.
Apart from the regulars who returned to the setup, the German tactician was particularly pleased with Mahlasela, who bagged an assist in his first game since January, as well as debutant Reeve Frosler, both of whom he chose to take off to preserve for later use.
“We have seen guys like Kabelo Mahlasela, he played a good game and always available in the pockets,” commented Middendorp.
“In the end, Reeve, as we know, is player with high quality and played his first game since, I think, let’s say March 2018 to make it a bit dramatic.
“But this is good, we’re aware that he was playing at 15 miles per hour, where he was probably used to playing at 10 miles per hour before [at Bidvest Wits], so it’s normal that he needs a bit of time.
“Training is fine, but to play a competitive game on this more intensive manner is a bit difficult, but he did well. That was simply the reason for the change.
“The same goes for Kabelo, bringing him out for Ryan Moon, it was just that I expected some players will not be capable of playing the 90 minutes because of their status in the last two or three months.”
