Chiefs returned from Ndola on Monday off the back of a 3-1 defeat to the Zambian champions in their Confed Cup play-off round first leg tie on Sunday.
The loss leaves Amakhosi with an uphill battle for the second leg, which is to be hosted at the FNB Stadium this Saturday evening.
However, before then The Glamour Boys have the small matter of an Absa Premiership fixture against AmaZulu at the King Zwelithini Stadium this evening, when they put an 11-year record on the line.
Heading into the encounter, Middendorp has reflected on some of the critical aspects of their performance last weekend as he looks to rectify their shortcomings against Usuthu.
“We have learnt a few lessons from the CAF Confederation Cup match in Zambia. We have seen our weaknesses and it is in such challenges that you’re able to tune up your systems,” Middendorp told his club’s official website.
“We had good moments in the game. We attacked well and should we have converted some of the chances – this would’ve resulted in a different score line.
“I thought we also scored a legit goal [through Khama Billiat] that was disallowed, but that’s all in the past. We are over it and our minds are on AmaZulu.”
Meanwhile, Chiefs will be without several key players for this evening's clash as Lorenzo Gordinho also joins the list of injury-affected personnel, after suffering a hand fracture with the Multichoice Diski Challenge side on the weekend.
“It’s unfortunate Lorenzo Gordinho is ruled out with a hand fracture. We hope to not have Lorenzo out for too long," added the German.
"We are still waiting for Ramahlwe Mphahlele to return to full fitness as well. There’s still a bit of time required to have Joseph Molangoane, Itumeleng Khune, Philani Zulu and Mulomowandau Mathoho return to action.”
The club confirmed that Gordinho is set for surgery, which could see him ruled out for a number of weeks.
A victory for Chiefs would see them move within six points of log leaders Bidvest Wits.
Kick-off of tonight’s clash is scheduled for 19h30.