Cape Town – Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp says he appreciates the compliments made by Mamelodi Sundowns mentor Pitso Mosimane but is "not getting carried away" as their two sides meet on Saturday.
Amakhosi welcome the Brazilians to FNB Stadium as the Absa Premiership resumes following the annual two-week festive season break.
In the lead up to Saturday's epic clash Mosimane revealed that he has been following the 60-year-olds progress since he replaced Giovanni Solinas at Chiefs.
"Coach Middendorp is a tough, top disciplinarian. I could read one or two comments. I am following a bit. The players are having it different," Mosimane said at the time.
On Thursday at a press conference in Soweto, Middendorp responded to the Mosimanes comments, saying: "Its always a pleasure [to get complimented], and I think that shows respect.
"In both directions, its always a pleasure to have competitive games with a coaching area led by Pitso,” said Middendorp as quoted by KickOff website.
"Thats all I can tell you, but Im enjoying it very much so lets wait and see [on Saturday]. He has ideas, I have ideas, and we know each other a little bit over the years in the past.
"Id say thank you, first of all, and I can definitely give this compliment back. I think hes definitely in this business long enough that he knows how to play these games of complimenting everyone a little bit. But, Im 60-years-old and Im not getting carried away.”
Kick-off is at 15:30.
