Kaizer Chiefs, on Wednesday 9 September, said it decided to part ways with Coach Ernst Middendorp with immediate effect. This comes after reviews were conducted by Kaizer Chiefs Chairman Kaizer Motaung and the club’s management.
Amakhosi released a statement saying it considered many aspects before coming to the decision.
“We deliberated and considered many aspects related to the team, including our way of playing, our performances and the results before coming to the decision,” said Motaung.
KAIZER CHIEFS AND MIDDENDORP PART WAYS TO SUPPORT WINNING STRATEGY
Motaung said Amakhosi truly believed and hoped that its 50th anniversary year would be better.
“The decision taken is part of a strategy to have the team win trophies again and to make our supporters happy because they deserve better,” said Motaung.
Middendorp joined Kaizer Chiefs on 7 December 2018. In his first six months in charge, the German coach took Amakhosi to ninth position on the Absa Premiership table and reached the Nedbank Cup final.
“After giving the coach and the technical team the ammunition required to compete in the new season, there were some improvements and this was evident during the first seven months of this 2019/2020 season,” he said.
Motaung said that when the league restarted post-lockdown, things changed, and the team looked a totally different side in its last eight league matches.
“We witnessed some heart-stopping performances and we were overtaken on the log in the last game of the season, which truly broke our hearts. We have to take responsibility – we can’t wait and allow this situation to continue,” he added.
Motaung thanked Middendorp for his efforts and work, saying; “We wish him all the best for the future.”
‘WE ARE A LISTENING ORGANISATION’ – MOTAUNG
Motaung said Kaizer Chiefs is aware that supporters are hurting. He said the outcry has become too loud to ignore.
“It is important for our loyal supporters to know that we feel their pain. We are a listening organisation and we respect their right to express their dissatisfaction with the team’s overall performance,” he said.
The squad has been given time off after a gruelling completion of the season and will return before the end of September to start preparing for the 2020/2021 season.
“We will announce the new coach before the team returns for pre-season training,” added Motaung.
“Chopping and changing coaches is not a solution, Chiefs need a major overhaul. Management needs to get back to the drawing board, implement a long term plan, appoint a suitable manager, sign all the suitable players for various positions,” said a Facebook user.
