There were several young Kaizer Chiefs stars on show over the weekend in the Shell Helix Ultra Cup and Macufe Cup, but what was Ernst Middendorp looking to achieve?
Chiefs travelled with a number of young players, namely Keletso Sifama, Lebohang Lesako, Sabelo Radebe, Darrel Matsheke and Bontle Molefe, along with MultiChoice Diski Challenge sensation, Sizwe Twala, and Njabulo Blom – who was promoted into the first team last season.
The Amakhosi hopefuls will all be eager to buld on this past weekend as the 2019/20 season goes on, and will be buoyed by the fact that their German mentor is known for showing faith in youth, starting with the decision to bring them on board with the first team this month.
Middendorp revealed his reasons for the presence of the youngsters, telling the club’s official website, “This was to give the young lads some look and feel of the first team experience… I am happy with their response. Sifama for example, is only sixteen. We wanted to check his physique and how he will be able to cope.”
Meanwhile, the German also commented on Chiefs’ returning internationals, saying, “I saw Erick Mathoho started for Bafana Bafana against Mali. Kambole will be back from Zambia as well. Happy Mashiane and Siyabonga Ngezana were also with U23 National Team. So we should be ready.”
Next up for Chiefs is an important clash with Cape Town City in the Telkom Knockout on Saturday afternoon, though the majority – if not all – of the aforementioned youngsters are expected to be back in action in the MultiChoice Diski Challenge.
