After previously enjoying a prominent role under Giovanni Solinas, Ntshangase has dropped down the pecking order at Chiefs since the arrival of Middendorp in December, managing just five starts in their nine games under the new coach.
However, he is slowly working his way back, having featured every minute of their last two consecutive outings against The Magic FC and Polokwane City in the Nedbank Cup and League respectively.
The 25-year-old, who made a name for himself at Black Leopards before a brief stint at Baroka delayed his arrival at Naturena, insists his confidence is slowly growing again and he is on his way to becoming his old self.
“I feel so good because I haven’t gotten that opportunity to play week-in-week-out, but it’s getting there,” Ntshangase tells snl24.com/kickoffahead of this Saturday’s clash with Highlands Park.
“I think my confidence is coming back, and it starts in training with how you prepare yourself and staying focussed and then you take that into a game situation.
“The more minutes you get the more your confidence grows, and you know I have confidence in everything that I do, and that’s the ‘Stash’ people want to see.”
The KwaZulu-Natal-born playmaker admits his training regimen has had to change somewhat under the German tactician but assures his style of play is not being compromised.
“I’m still adjusting, I can’t lie. One thing that Middendorp wants from each and every player is that we stay focussed, and whatever opportunity you get you need to use it,” he explains.
“My style of play hasn’t really changed though, because I’m still doing what I was doing under Solinas.”