Former Swallows coach Ernst Middendorp has collected his first win with SV Meppen since his return to Germany.
Middendorp, 64, left Swallows last month in a move that surprised many at the club and returned to Germany after coaching for 14 years abroad.
He took over Meppen in last spot on the 3. Liga (third Bundesliga) and had immediately picked up a draw against leaders Elversberg.
However, the win was followed by two 3-1 defeats, showing he had accepted a difficult task to lead Meppen into safety.
On Saturday, though, they came twice from behind to beat Erzgebirge Aue 3-2 and move of the foot off the table. Meppen now sit in 19th place with 24 points, four behind the first non-relegation spot with nine games outstanding.
“We analysed a lot, changed a lot. Players like Marek Janssen, Mirnes Pepic and also the young Junior Kone played – all players who can help us,” Middendorp said after the match.
“We try everything to have competition in the training week. Everyone will and must make their contribution. We have options.
“It was about reducing the distance to the non-relegation zone – we should have succeeded in that. Now it’s time to prepare for the next game.
“A big compliment goes to the spectators who gave us fantastic support. That is not a matter of course!”
Swallows were Middendorp’s seventh club in South Africa after Maritzburg United, Kaizer Chiefs, Free State Stars, Chippa United, Bloemfontein Celtic and Golden Arrows.
The 64-year-old, throughout his career in the PSL with over 400 matches in charge – more than any other foreign coach, has won only two trophies, namely the ABSA Cup and SAA Super 8.
