Swallows appoint Ernst Middendorp as new coach 

Struggling DStv Premiership side Swallows have announced the appointment of well-traveled coach Ernst Middendorp as their new head coach.

The former Kaizer Chiefs and Maritzburg coach, Middendorp joins Swallows on a three year deal. 

The 64-year-old takes over from Musa Nyatama who had been interim coach. Nyatama took over the reins following the departure of Dylan Kerr earlier in the season. 

ERNST MIDDENDORP A NEW BIRD 

“Swallows Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Coach Ernst Middendorp for 3 Seasons,” the club said in a statement on Thursday. 

“Coach Middendorp comes with a wealth of experience and we believe he will be the right person to guide the club in the right direction.

“We thank Coach Musa and the technical team, who steered the ship on an interim basis while the search was on for Head Coach,” the club said. 

“We would like to welcome Coach Midderndorp to The Nest and wish him best of luck.” 

Middendorp has been without a job since his departure at Maritzburg United in June this year. 

The German born mentor had earlier indicated that he was not keen on taking any local offer. This was due to his taking over a role at FIFA to work alongside the Chief of Global football development Arsene Wenger.

The contract was believed to be for until June 2023. But it seems Middendorp has now relinquished his responsibility at the World football governing body for a move back to South Africa.

It’s unclear if Musa Nyatama will still be part of the technical team.

The former Kaizer Chiefs mentor takes over a Swallows side that has struggled to collect points this season.

They are two points above the bottom place in the DStv Premiership after 12 matches. His immediate task will be a tough away encounter against high flying Richards Bay on New Year’s Eve.

Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns will be next in the new year before facing his former side Chippa United. 

RELATED STORY: Pitso Mosimane tells Arthur Zwane what to learn from Ernst Middendorp’s Chiefs tenure