Ernst Middendorp mentioned both Hendrick Ekstein and Willard Katsande after losing to ZESCO United, but refused to blame them for Kaizer Chiefs' defeat.
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The Glamour Boys lost 2-1 to the Zambians at FNB Stadium last night, with the game finishing 5-2 on aggregate as the visitors progressed into the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup.
Ekstein and Katsande both gave the ball in away in the build-up to Anthony Akumu and Jesse Were's goals, with George Lwandamina's side taking full advantage of the chances that were presented to them.
Speaking to the club's official website about the disappointing loss amid a mini injury crisis, Middendorp said, "Many of our players have been excellent in recent weeks, including the likes of Hendrick Ekstein and Willard Katsande. Tonight, however, they made mistakes, losing possession of the ball in their own half, which cost us two goals. We simply lacked a bit of freshness today."
Despite injuries to Itumeleng Khune, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Lebogang Manyama, Joseph Molangoane, Mulomowandau Mathoho, Philani Zulu and Lorenzo Gordinho, though, the 60-year-old didn't want to blame their absence for the result.
He said, "We have played fantastic football against Bidvest Wits and AmaZulu without most of these (injured) players. I therefore feel it's unfair to talk about this. We are not playing golf or tennis, we play as a team."
And there is no bitterness after defeat for the German, who gave his best wishes to the victors after the game, saying, "Zesco are a good side, we hope that Zesco will go far in this competition. We wish them all the luck."
Chiefs will now turn their attentions to beating Tornado FC in the Nedbank Cup.
