New Maritzburg United head coach Ernst Middendorp (Photo by Gallo Images)
A shameful time got worse for Kaizer Chiefs after they were beaten by National First Division (NFD) side TS Galaxy in a Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday night. Amakhosi have now gone four full seasons without a trophy.
Under Ernst Middendorp, Amakhosi looked to be headed out of troubled waters – and their qualification for the Ke Yona final was seen as a chance for the Naturena-based side to redeem themselves.
But it was not to be and immediately after the match, supporters suggested that drastic changes were needed.
READ: Embattled Middendorp vows to stay on as Chiefs coach
Middendorp, however, felt that taking decisions in the immediate aftermath of the Moses Mabhida disaster would be hasty.
“I really think that at the moment, just 20 minutes after the game… I think we should sit down and find out what is happening.
“It is not only about what happened in the last six months [that he has been at Chiefs] but what has happened with Kaizer Chiefs in the last four years.
“We will definitely have a discussion and decisions will be made,” said the German-born mentor.
With Amakhosi failing to make the top-eight in the Absa Premiership, this was probably the club’s worst campaign.
READ: Embattled Middendorp vows to stay on as Chiefs coach
In the final, Middendorp’s side never really took off and the Rockets’ keeper Ludwe Mpakumpaku did hardly any work.
The body language of the Chiefs players told a story of a team in disarray.
“But 30 min after finishing the match, whoever is prepared to do something might be quite emotional,” added Middendorp. “And it should not be done at this time.
“But we will chat with management and see what’s best for the team going forward.”
The 63-year-old’s future at Naturena is now unclear with rumours already spreading that he had lost the dressing room.
Middendorp joined Chiefs in December and was tasked with saving the team who looked to be doomed under Giovanni Solinas.
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