Nukorvic’s 10 goals is good but not anything special – Middendorp

Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp says he is happy for his striker Samir Nukorvic who scored his 10^th league goal of the season in Thohoyandou this past weekend.

Nukorvic scored a header in the 1-1 draw with Black Leopards to move to second on the top scorer board behind Orlando Pirates’ Gabadinho Mhango who has netted 12. Middendorp says it is not anything special as other players are also contributing.

The coach was booked in extra time of the first half in Thohoyandou for stepping outside his technical area in protest.

The incident happened after Nukorvic was fouled where Middendorp stepped onto the field. The former Bloemfontein Celtic and Maritzburg United mentor also believes his forward is being targeted and is not protected by match officials.

The result in Thohoyandou coupled with outcomes elsewhere meant Amakhosi’s lead at the top of the table to their nearest rivals has been reduced to seven points.

Middendorp says there is no difference in playing relegation-threatened sides and mid-table and title challengers.

The coach is expecting a lot of clubs to play better as the league schedule gets lighter and he hopes Chiefs will be able to handle it.

The German mentor adds that the trip to Thohoyandou is by far the toughest in the Premier Soccer League, especially for an afternoon fixture.

– Report by Lethabo Kganyago