Cricket Rugby Soccer Sport news so fresh, its live!

February 12, 2025
Search
Cape Town Spurs Football

Middendorp “Shocked” By PSL Standards.

  • April 10, 2024
  • 3 min read
  • 223 Views
Middendorp “Shocked” By PSL Standards.

Cape Town Spurs head coach Ernst Middendorp has shown dissatisfaction with how his side lost to Mamelodi Sundowns on Tuesday.  

Sundowns scored a penalty through Lucas Ribeiro Costa from a foul that was seemingly outside of the box and initiated first by Peter Shalulile became the deciding factor in the DStv premiership encounter at Athlone Stadium.  

As Spurs suffered their third consecutive defeat in the DStv Premiership, the former Chiefs coach Middendorp said he was rather impressed by the way his boys stood their ground considering the magnitude of the team they were up against.  

“So far from the quality I think very good because if you have to chase a game, you are 1-0 down and you keep the shape and the distance to each other and follow the principles we were talking about before and being able to produce some opportunities,” said the dissatisfied Middendorp.  

“I think in a game like this, from this magnitude to be competitive, it deserved a compliment for the players, for the team so far.”   

The German tactician did not forget to mention the controversial decision by referee Thabo Mkhabela that contributed to the extension of Spurs’ stay in the relegation zone.  

Middendorp shared what he witnessed between the third and fourth official saying they were both against the penalty decision. 

“I don’t know, I haven’t seen it, but I know only that the linesman was not convinced about it, was very clear against the decision, and the fourth referee also always talking that he was also convinced that it was outside,” protested Middendorp.  

The Sundowns’ defeat further dented the hopes for Spurs to avoid relegation, placing them five points behind 15th place in Richards Bay who opened the points gap on Sunday edging Swallows 1-0 at King Zwelithini Stadium.  

The Spurs mentor then touched on his thoughts about the standard of PSL coaches, match officials, and all in-between.  

“I said it before, I watch the quality of coaching, it should be better. More qualifications, more licenses. There’s no doubt about it, but who the hell is talking about crippling games, talking about the referees talking about making it professional and relevant.  

“I think if you talk about crippling players, crippling games and clubs, I think we should open a discussion,” said Middendorp. 

Coach Middendorp remains with only seven games to pull what would be a miraculous resurrection out of the relegation zone with only 21 points to play for. 

About Author

Samkelo Biyela

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *