Former Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp has questioned Thierry Henry's assessment of the recent Soweto Derby, expressing disappointment that the former Arsenal and France striker did not share his views on the quality of football produced by Orlando Pirates and Amakhosi during the encounter.

Henry was among several international football icons who attended the highly anticipated Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium. The occasion attracted widespread attention, with thousands of enthusiastic supporters turning out to witness one of the most celebrated rivalries in African football.

Although the French football legend reportedly praised the atmosphere and organisation of the event, Middendorp believes his assessment failed to address another important element of the occasion, which was the standard of football displayed by the two teams.

Speaking to KickOff, the experienced German tactician acknowledged Henry's positive comments about the spectacle but questioned why he had not offered a technical opinion on the match itself.

Middendorp explained that he would have appreciated hearing what Henry thought about the quality of football on display, particularly considering the former striker's experience competing at the highest level of the game.

He also revealed that he had looked for Henry's comments about the performances of Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs but had not found any statement in which the Frenchman discussed the actual contest between the two sides.

The derby ended with Orlando Pirates claiming a 2-1 victory over their fierce Soweto rivals. The Buccaneers found the back of the net twice to secure all three points, while Kaizer Chiefs managed only one goal and were left disappointed by another defeat in the prestigious fixture.

Middendorp's comments have sparked fresh discussions about the importance of technical football analysis whenever internationally recognised figures attend major football events in Africa.

While the atmosphere created by supporters, the organisation and the overall excitement surrounding the Soweto Derby are undoubtedly important, the tactical decisions, individual performances and quality of football on display also deserve attention.

His criticism has therefore placed the focus on what Henry thought about the actual performance of both teams, rather than simply the atmosphere and entertainment surrounding one of African football's biggest rivalries.

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