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The 61-year-old strategist was in his second spell with Amakhosi as he was in charge of the team between 2005 and 2007.
The giants of the Premier Soccer League (PSL), Kaizer Chiefs, have fired their coach Ernst Middendorp.
This comes after Amakhosi was defeated for the 2019/20 PSL title by his Gauteng rivals Mamelodi Sundowns last weekend.
The Chiefs had led the league rankings for most of the season and, at one point, were 13 points above their closest rivals, the Sundowns.
Reports stating that Middendorp was to be sacked by the Naturena-based club came after Amakhosi’s 1-1 draw with Baroka FC on Saturday, which was the last day of the season.
The Soweto giants released the following statement on Wednesday afternoon stating that Middendorp’s two-and-a-half-year contract that he signed in December 2018 had been terminated.
“Following reviews by Kaizer Chiefs president Kaizer Motaung and the club’s management, Amakhosi has decided to part ways with coach Ernst Middendorp with immediate effect,” a club statement read.
Motaung explained the process that led to the decision to part ways with Middendorp.
“We deliberate and consider many aspects of the team, including the way we play, our performances and the results before making the decision,” said Motaung.
“We really believed and hoped our 50th anniversary would be better and indeed it looked promising. The decision taken is part of a strategy for the team to win trophies again and make our fans happy because they deserve better ”.
Amakhosi struggled in the biobubble below Middendorp as they recorded just a six match win and the seasoned tactician was under immense pressure.
“After giving the coach and technical team the ammunition they need to compete in the new season. There were some improvements, and this was evident during the first seven months of this 2019/2020 season, “added Motaung.
“However, when the league restarted after the lockout, things turned around and we looked a totally different side in our last eight league games.
“We witnessed some heart-breaking performances and we were outclassed in the last game of the season, which really broke our hearts. We have to take responsibility, we cannot wait and allow this situation to continue.”
Motaung continued to thank the former Arminia Bielefield coach for his effort and work: “We wish him all the best for the future.
“We pride ourselves on having built a strong legacy and a culture based on winning.
“We are aware that the fans are suffering and the clamor is too loud to ignore. It is important that our loyal fans know that we feel their pain.
“We are an organization that listens and we respect your right to express your dissatisfaction with the overall performance of the team,” he explained.
“Even though we are hurt, we must remember that the key principle of loyalty is to show unity and stand together in solidarity when the going gets tough.”
The veteran soccer manager concluded by stating that a new coach will be announced before the team resumes preseason training prior to the 2020/21 season.
“We will announce the new coach before the team returns for preseason training,” concluded Motaung.
