Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Siphiwe Mkhonza believes this Telkom Knockout quarterfinal at Moses Mabhida Stadium will be huge for Ernst Middendorp, who failed to help the club qualify for the top eight last season.
"Unfortunately the responsibility of Kaizer Chiefs and demand, it's not good enough if you are not qualifying for the top eight, it's not good enough if you don't win any trophy," Mkhonza tells snl24.com/kickoff.
"So when Ernst Middendorp took over at Amakhosi for a second stint, because I was with him in his first period, he knows if you don't win a trophy in a season it's a big pressure for him."
Mkhonza, who worked with Middendorp as a player, says if the German coach fails to beat Orlando Pirates on Saturday it may deeply affect the fans and the team as no one wants to lose against Bucs.
The 40-year-old also believes Amakhosi are under more pressure than their rivals because of their good form and the fact that they haven't beaten them in the last five games.
"In Chiefs if you coach them, you must deliver trophies, win the league. If he doesn't win this Derby, everything he has done so far won't matter too much," Mkhonza says.
"No Amakhosi supporter wants to lose against Bhakaniya, Middendorp must win this."