Kaizer Chiefs have been on top of the Absa Premiership table throughout the season until Mamelodi Sundowns crept from behind to snatch the trophy after Chiefs’ 1-1 against Baroka FC
On Saturday evening, Mamelodi Sundowns rose to the top of the table to win their tenth title and coach Pitso Mosimane’s fifth title as a manager.
One more goal from Middendorp’s side against Bakgakga could have made them win the trophy.
“Of course we had possibilities in our hands and being second after over 28 match days on position one. Of course it’s disappointing. Congratulations to Sundowns and Pitso. That’s all what I can say at the moment,” Middendorp said in a post match TV interview.
He said he told his players to score more goals in second half of the match while they led with a goal after the first match through Khama Billiat’s goal.
However, Baroka surprisingly scored an equaliser that made them escape the dungeon of relegation completely.
“Strategically we had the dominence in the first half and we had a very clear discussion at half time that ‘push forward, look for the second goal’ but interestingly they sat back (and committed) foul after foul in dangerous positions. And it gets to 1-1 and it becomes very difficult to play a team like Baroka (in that situation),” said the German mentor.
