Middendorp: Chiefs don't rely too much on set-pieces

Cape Town - Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp insists the Absa Premiership leaders are only forced into relying on set-pieces due to defensive teams.

Amakhosi had a tough trip to Thohoyandou Stadium to contend with last weekend and were held to a 1-1 draw by their hosts Black Leopards.

Middendorp admitted after the game that he always found it difficult to travel to Lidoda Duvha's home ground, where Chiefs once again scored from a set-piece.

"(Laughs) It's in the South African PSL, it's the toughest one to travel to, in particular if you have to play in the afternoon," Middendorp told the media, as quoted by KickOff.

"I think it will be a little bit more comfortable if you play in the evening. But if you play in the afternoon plus coming here there's always circumstances, it's by far the toughest journey during the entire season in South Africa."

When asked about Chiefs' perceived reliance on set-piece goals, Middendorp explained that they are often forced into that style of play because of overly defensive opponents.

"No, we score a lot of other goals but now for other goals you need a little bit like what is suitable for passing, and you have seen a lot from the first half (against Leoards) it doesn't work like you would like to," he continued.

"But anyway, it's okay, we have to accept it. Black Leopards is a member of the PSL, and we have to travel here, and we have to compete here.

"I understand it's about top eight, it's about staying in the league, it's about competing for the championship.

"And it is a normal way if you come to the last 10 games you will see a lot of games where it's about passionate defending, where it's about minimising the mistakes, where it's about going to the maximum... but it's allowed.

"But it's good, that's the time now towards the end of the season middle of May. Each and everybody has to expect it and has to handle it."

- TeamTalk Media