Much has been made of the injury blow to number-one goalkeeper and captain Itumeleng Khune, who is set to be ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Chiefs have since been linked to Bidvest Wits shot-stopper Darren Keet as well as Mamelodi Sundowns gloveman Thela Ngobeni, with a view to adding more experience in the department and providing greater competition for Namibian international Virgil Vries.
However, Middendorp has warned that bringing in a replacement for the Bafana Bafana star is highly unlikely, given the limited options available at this time of the season.
“It was a clash with Willard Katsande, and unfortunately it was Willard – had it been another player it would probably have been a little softer, but it happens in a training session,” explained Middendorp of Khune’s injury.
“Both were in the same team; both went for a 50/50 ball, and out – what can you do? Personally, I believe we have a setup.
“As I’ve said already, it’s not the target of Virgil Vries to be competitive with the position of Khune. I think there will be not many goalkeepers who should do this or have this target.
“But, [it is for Vries] to make sure he does his best and make sure, knowing the qualities he has, to be himself and play his own game.
“I have my own idea on how to identify a good player, and I think this is something that everybody has to work on that he is on his way with support and follow my definition of being a good player.
“I believe in the goalkeeper department we are in, we trust the other players we have. Yes, they might not have the same experience or being capable of the same game minutes in the PSL or international like Itu, but it’s okay.
“It’s very difficult to put a different setup in at the moment, there’s no club who will give you a goalkeeper for you to be in a different position. So, let’s work with the guys we have, give them confidence and ask them to do the right stuff and be good, qualified members of the team.”