Ntiya-Ntiya has enjoyed a rapid rise up the pecking order in his second season with Chiefs, after being promoted under Steve Komphela in January last year.
The 22-year-old, after making just two appearances last season, has already registered 16 starts and two substitute appearances in the current campaign, displacing the likes of Ugandan international Godfrey Walusimbi.
Traditionally a left-back, he has been seen operating on either side of the flanks since Middendorp’s arrival in December, though much to the confusion of the Amakhosi faithful.
But the Eastern Cape-born full-back insists he is willing to fulfil his duties in whatever role the coach gives him, while stressing the importance of staying grounded and out of trouble.
“He [Middendorp] is the one leading us and if he decides that I have to play in a certain position, I will do that to the best of my capabilities,” Ntiya-Ntiya told his club’s website.
“It’s important to stay humble and focused. It’s dangerous to be all over the place. That’s also why, if we don’t train in the afternoon, I will do a gym session for myself.
“I want to work hard on becoming a better player every day.”
After tasting glory with the Chiefs reserve side in the Multichoice Diski Shield last year, Ntiya-Ntiya is itching to repeat the feat with the senior team as they eye the Nedbank Cup.
“I want to feel that joy inside of winning a major trophy with the first team,” he said, ahead of this weekend’s quarterfinal clash with Cape Town City.