Kaizer Chiefs forward Leonardo Castro admitted that there is a renewed confidence at Naturena following the arrival of Ernst Middendorp and that his side will carry that into the clash against Mamelodi Sundowns, writes DEAN WORKMAN.

Chiefs host the defending Absa Premiership champions at the FNB Stadium on Saturday and will be looking to continue their revival under Middendorp, who was appointed at the start of December.

The former Bloemfontein Celtic coach replaced Italian coach Giovanni Solinas, who paid the price for his team inconsistencies which left them off the pace in the title race.

Watch: Chiefs prepare for Sundowns showdown

However, since the German’s arrival at Naturena Chiefs have won three out of three, beating SuperSport United in the league before beating Elgeco Plus in both legs of their Caf Confederation Cup fixtures.

@KaizerChiefs forward Castro on his sides upcoming clash against @Masandawana pic.twitter.com/i1qTTvw029

— Dean Workman (@DeanoWorks) January 3, 2019

Speaking to the media at Naturena on Thursday Castro admitted that his side will carry a new-found confidence into the clash against his former side.

‘The confidence is obviously higher [after Middendorp’s arrival] because we have prepared well, we have been winning games, scoring goals and making chances during the game.

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‘There’s a new mentality with the players, a new challenge, so that is all with our team,’ said the Colombian forward.

Chiefs and Downs do battle in the Absa Premiership on Saturday at the FNB Stadium with kick off at 3:00 pm.