Kaizer Chiefs supporters shouldn’t have been surprised by one of Ernst Middendorp’s selection choices against Orlando Pirates, with the coach explaining himself this week…

Read: Chiefs Boss Has Pirates’ Number…

Chiefs went seven points clear at the top of the Absa Premiership table with a 1-0 win over Orlando Pirates at the weekend, severely denting any title hopes that their bitter rivals will have been harbouring following their good run of form.

Lebogang Manyama was the hero on the day for Chiefs as he blasted past Wayne Sandilands to give them victory at FNB Stadium, with the likes of Gabadinho Mhango, Vincent Pule and Thembinkosi Lorch all having quiet days at the office as they were unable to find the back of the net.

Middendorp says that the plan was never to nullify those threats specifically, while also explaining the decision to move young Reeve Frosler to the left-hand side rather than his usual position at right back.

Speaking to the club’s official website, the German said, “We got into Saturday’s game knowing very well what was at stake… We focused on our preparations. I am glad the players responded the way they did, most importantly we collected the three points.

“Our focus and plan were not necessarily to stop Gabadinho Mhango, Vincent Pule, Thembinkosi Lorch and Luvuyo Memela as many thought. We played to win the match, and that is what happened, we made certain tactical plans at the backline.

“Reeve Frosler for example, you would have expected him to operate on the right side, but that is when you don’t have the profile of the player like Reeve. Reeve played as a left fullback at the U17 World Cup in Chile. This is a player that is versatile after growing up as a midfielder at junior levels.”

Read: Thembi Thunderbolt Helps Secure Final Spot

Next up for Chiefs is a clash with struggling AmaZulu as they look to add three more points to their league tally this coming weekend. 

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