Middendorp names three Bloemfontein Celtic players Kaizer Chiefs must keep an eye on

Coach Ernst Middendorp has identified at least three Bloemfontein Celtic players Kaizer Chiefs should keep an eye on ahead of Wednesday's night clash at Tuks Stadium.

According to the 61-year-old mentor, former player Lucky Baloyi, Justice Chabalala and Ndumiso Mabena are the three players Amakhosi need to monitor.  

Mabena was on the scoresheet when Chiefs beat Celtic 5-3 in a thrilling first-round match at Moses Mabhida Stadium late last year. 

He also admits Phunya Sele Sele are a disciplined side that is likely to give them a difficult match on the night. 

"We are playing a very disciplined Celtic. No doubt, it will be a very difficult task for us and as always, the next game is the most important one," Middendorp told the Amakhosi website.  

"Celtic have some industrious players in their team. We must closely watch the roles that Lucky Baloyi and Justice Chabalala play to close their channels. Remember they have their influential player in Ndumiso Mabena, who makes them play. We will need to watch him as well."

Middendorp further stated that Leonardo Castro faces a late fitness test after struggling with cramp in the match against Bidvest Wits.

The Colombian striker missed the 3-2 win over Polokwane City as a precaution but he has continued to train with the rest of his teammates.

And apart from Castro, everyone is ready and available for selection.  

"We are still assessing our options at this stage. We have one concern though with Leonardo Castro. He did not form part of the trip to Polokwane City on Saturday due to some cramping he experienced in the Wits game," added Middendorp. 

"He is fine now and back in training. But we will decide on his participation in the 11th hour before kick-off. The rest of the players are available for selection."

The Soweto giants could stretch their lead at the top of the PSL log to nine points with a win over Celtic after Mamelodi Sundowns' loss to Cape Town City. 

As things stand, they are on 52 points from 24 league games while Sundowns are on 46 points from the same number of games.