Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp feels it would unfair to assess Anthony Akumu after the Kenya international made his first start for Amakhosi.

Akumu was in the starting line-up for the Nedbank Cup Last 16 clash against Highlands Park on Saturday but was taken off at halftime in a game Chiefs went on to lose on 5-4 on penalties after it finished 1-1 after extra-time.

The 27-year-old Akumu only joined the Soweto giants last month after leaving Zambian side Zesco United and Middendorp said the player needs time to adapt to his new surroundings.

The German mentor told the media: “It’s very difficult for him and for all of us.

“He comes in without pre-season or anything and we tried to give him the first start.

“It was difficult and it’s not fair assessing (him) at the moment.

“The understanding with his teammates is of course not there, and not really knowing which direction we wanted to see out of his position but there’s nothing to assess after only 45 minutes, it’s definitely not fair.”

Amakhosi must brush off their Cup defeat as they now start preparing for a massive Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates this weekend.