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Ernst Middendorp (Gallo Images)
Golden arrows coach Steve Komphela expressed his sympathies towards the former Kaizer bosses coach Ernst middendorp and said it was a reminder that soccer training is a “thankless job.”
Middendorp, who has never won a PSL title, was one game away from doing so and breaking the Chiefs’ five-year trophy drought, but a 1-1 draw with Baroka on the final day dashed their hopes.
The German mentor was subsequently fired and replaced by former Bidvest Wits coach Gavin Hunt, who has long been linked to the top position at Naturena.
Komphela, who had her own experience of being in the Amakhosi hot seat, said she “felt very sorry” for Middendorp after the events that occurred on the last day of the season.
“They were almost there. It was only a matter of 30 minutes and I felt very sorry for Ernst Middendorp. Our work is thankless work,” Komphela said during a Carling Black Label event in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
“I was very sorry for Ernst because who could go through that? You’re at the top of the record all season, convincingly, you have a double-digit gap, with 30 minutes to go, and then you lose it.
“My man, I still respect him for the strength he portrayed. But listen, it’s part of the game. It could have happened to anyone.”
Komphela then turned his attention to the present, saying that no one deserves the Chiefs’ top job more than Hunt.
“Let me take this opportunity to congratulate Gavin Hunt and wish him all the best. A very close friend of mine, make no mistake,” Komphela said.
“I don’t think, with the utmost respect to all the available coaches in the country, I don’t think there is anyone more deserving. He also deserves the opportunity. He has the pedigree.”
– TEAMtalk Media
