Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp was at a loss for words trying to explain how his side lost their grip on the PSL title on the final hour.
In an extended season, Amakhosi occupied top spot for over a year but were usurped by Mamelodi Sundowns who ascended to first place for the first time in the campaign, clinching their third successive title.
How Kaizer Chiefs let it slip
This was after a 1-1 draw against Baroka at Bidvest Stadium on Saturday, in a game where the Soweto giants needed to match the result of the parallel fixture featuring their Tshwane counterparts, who claimed a convincing win against Black Leopards.
The result capped a disappointing year, where Chiefs claimed only 22 points in the second half of the season, a far cry from the earlier half, where they opened up a considerable gap at the top of the league standings.
Speaking after the stalemate, Middendorp could not mask his disappointment.
“In the end, we had several games where I believe we could have done better and then we ended up like this,” Middendorp told Supersport.
“Basically, we all disappointed. It’s not only the technical team. It’s the players of course, the supporters, the fans who were hoping that their birthday 50th year achieving it to be the champion.
“It’s a disappointment sorry that’s what I can say. Good in the moment that’s all.”
Ernst Middendorp
Trophy drought extends
Chiefs, the most successful South African club in terms of the number of trophies, have not added to their cabinet since clinching the league in 2015.
Just months after Middendorp’s return to the helm, they came agonisingly close to claiming the Nedbank Cup title, but were stunned by first division club TS Galaxy, who became the first lower league side to lift the trophy.
Finishing second in the league means that Chiefs now qualify for the Caf Champions League, and will also make a return to the MTN 8 after missing out in the recently-concluded campaign.
