Middendorp takes his Chiefs charges through their paces ‘online’

Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp has turned to modern technology to “train” his team in the wake of the country observing a 21-day lockdown amid the global Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak.

Amakhosi were well on track to challenging for their first league title in almost five seasons but the Covid-19 pandemic has put everyone’s life on hold, including all sport.

Middendorp admitted that he was itching to return to the pitch but was quick to point out the importance of observing the government and health authorities protocols on social distancing and self-isolation.

The Chiefs technical team has designed a programme to ensure the players were ready by the time they we called back to the field.

“Currently, we are working online with the players individually,” Middendorp told the club’s website.

“Suspending the league season indefinitely is a huge challenge with regards to keeping the players sharp and fit.

“Of course, I wish to be on the training ground at any time and I hope to be back at Naturena soon, because we want to finish the season successfully,” the German added.

“We have to deal with different scenarios. The players need to be very professional. We can only guide them adequately using modern technology (video conferences and the like). I am glad that everybody has been professional so far. We must all be aware of our responsibilities. In this time of self-isolation, it’s very important to lift one another’s spirits. We make sure that we maintain contact through technological means with each other during the Covid-19 outbreak.”

Middendorp added: “We have provided them with a platform for their own performance analysis. The players are receiving video clips that they need to watch. We are also discussing challenges with the guys. As a coach and as the technical team, we are in touch on a regular basis, talking about the way forward based on the reflection of our games played so far.

“I am not only using the time to prepare for our return to action, I have also been busy with the review and report of the season as things stand.”

The coach also warned that everyone must heed the call to “stay home and not move outside to avoid the expansion of the virus.” – kaizerchiefs.com

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