Ernst Middendorp has ruled himself out of taking over at AmaZulu because he has just signed a deal with FIFA to work with FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development Arsene Wenger until June 2023.
AmaZulu do need a coach quickly after they parted ways with Brandon Truter on Thursday following a 1-0 loss to Richards Bay FC at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Wednesday.
As earlier reported, iDiski Times understands the AmaZulu management made contact with Middendorp over the vacant position, however, the former Kaizer Chiefs coach said he is not available due to his new commitment with FIFA.
“I have a clear direction in weeks and you have to change your approach,” Middendorp told iDiski Times.
“I have started my involvement in a pilot project with FIFA since the beginning of October. It is a FIFA pilot project under the guidance of Arsene Wenger. The project has a worldwide presence – creating a better competitiveness between the member associations under the FIFA roof.
“I will be in Zurich for a workshop next week [from 9 October] and in Goa,India for a workshop at the end of October.
“Meaning I am currently not available for taking over a PSL team this season of 2022/23. I’m committed to it, I have engaged myself in this direction and I’m very excited to have these meetings and meet these people.”
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Middendorp went on to express his dissatisfaction at being linked to every club in the Premier Soccer League, and insisted he’s not attending matches because he’s bored, but he goes there for the love of the game.
“For me this is an insult [to be linked to all clubs], I have never been desperate for a job since 1994,” he added.
“I have been full-time employed and before that 10-year as a semi professional soccer coach and I’m not running after jobs.
“Pitso Mosimane said it very clearly. If you are qualified, if you have a reputation and you are flexible being available like I’m right now… He saw a big project at Al Ahly in Jeddah; he went there to bring them back to glory.
“This is professionalism and this is what I’m always preaching to the coaches such as Fadlu Davids. I’m happy he took that job in Russia [at Lokomotiv Moscow as an assistant coach]. We have to understand that we are global players now.”
This means AmaZulu will now have to cast their search elsewhere.
Story by Robin-Duke Madlala (@duke_robin)
Agent Confirms Reason For Truter’s AmaZulu Exit
