Ernst Middendorp has commented on the importance of maintaining the core of the team and why he is eager for one of his midfielders to conclude his contract negotiations.

The likes of Lebogang Manyama, George Maluleka and Willard Katsande has formed a crucial part of the core of the Kaizer Chiefs team who is currently at the top of the Absa Premiership league standings.

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However, while almost every player will be part of a plan beyond the current season after recently renewing their contracts, George Maluleka, whose contract expires at the end of the season – is yet to have his discussions about his long-term future wrapped up.

“As you can see, core players, the likes of George Maluleka, Daniel Cardoso, you can identify as a coach who doesn’t know what to do very often. It is very crucial for us to have this consistency. You can say, where’s a plan B or a C, or plan D or E. this is putting the core together – sticking to George and Lebogang, even if they had games where it was not like this today. These are the crucial guys,” Middendorp told the media after Amakhosi’s 1-0 win over Orlando Pirates on Saturday afternoon.

“Sorry for some players who have to wait a little bit in the moment, not coming really in to it – but I think one of the most important parameter to how we are dealing with the season is that we have consistency in terms of our set-up and core players. For us, it is each and everybody, therefore I hope that George’s contract is wrapped up as quick as possible and get the final discussions done, he is very crucial for Kaizer Chiefs – a number of players,” he added.