Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp says it was hurting to lose star midfielder George Maluleka to Mamelodi Sundowns in the middle of the 2019/20 Premier Soccer League (PSL) campaign.
The German manager says it would have been possible to retain the former Ajax Cape Town midfielder to a team that is not in the PSL title race, saying they had to part ways with the 31-year-old after they discovered he had signed a pre-contract with the Brazilians.
On the other hand, Middendorp says they have options in the heart of the park as they prepare to face Bidvest Wits on Wednesday night.