Ernst Middendorp says he is still suffering about his Maritzburg United exit as he was denied an opportunity to work with DRC Congo international Karim Kimvuidi.
Middendorp signed the Congo international in January from DC Motema Pembe but Maritzburg couldn’t register him at that time as the club had exhausted all their foreign quota of five players registered to the league.
It meant Kimvuidi had to train only with the club until the foreign space was open at the beginning of the season.
But when that happened, Middendorp was sacked, with Maritzburg management saying they were not happy with the direction that club was taking under him.
While Middendorp was hurt by the sacking after he put his plans together that he was sure the club would adjust to this tight schedule due to the FIFA World Cup in November and December, he was mostly looking forward to coach Kimvuidi.
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“I’m really suffering and I was so looking forward to implementing him into the set up as glue between the defence and attack, giving him a very clear indication which role I want to put in place,” Middendorp told iDiski Times.
“I’m really suffering. When I see him sometimes on the bench not starting, it’s painful for me and I’m suffering. Not having a job to work with him in a competitive way, it’s tough.
“The training sessions, having him around, it brought a smile to me day in and day out on my lips. But, sorry, that’s football and probably it will happen again to work with him, wherever, I have no idea.
“For me he’s a player with an outstanding skill set – fantastic.”
Middendorp admitted that this is one of the biggest regrets at Maritzburg United.
“As I said, I had a really clear plan, looking forward to the fantastic season. It would have been fantastic with Travis Graham and Kimvuidi as a trio or which way you want to structure it,” he said.
“I know what will work, but anyway it’s normal and we can’t cry about it. He’s there and he must make his point now, he must convince the [new] technical team now.”
Middendorp was replaced by John Maduka during the off season, with the latter joining from Royal AM. Under Maduka, Kimvuidi has featured in seven league matches and registered one assist.
Story by Robin-Duke Madlala (@duke_robin).
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