Ernst Middendorp of Maritzburg UnitedGallo

BREAKING: Ernst Middendorp appointed new Kaizer Chiefs coach

Kaizer Chiefs confirmed the appointment of Ernst Middendorp as the new head coach of the club.

He has signed a two and a half year deal with Amakhosi, and is familiar with the club having previously coached the team between the years 2005 and 2007.

“We were looking for a coach who is experienced and who has an understanding of the club’s footballing culture,” chairman Kaizer Motaung told Chiefs official site.

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“That’s certainly the case with Middendorp, who won trophies during his previous stint in charge of Kaizer Chiefs."

The German won the 2006 Absa Cup and the 2006 SAA Supa 8 in his first spell.

“Middendorp also understands South African football well, having a vast knowledge and experience of our local football. We are looking forward to working together.”

“We need stability and the coach will start working with the team on Saturday.”

It has also been confirmed that Arthur Zwane will assist Middendorp for three games until the official assistant is named.

Earlier in the day Kaizer Chiefs announced that they had fired Italian coach Giovanni Solinas.

The team endured a slow start to the season having accumulated 18 points from 14 matches in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

A club statement read: "Kaizer Chiefs and coach Giovanni Solinas have mutually agreed to an amicable termination of his contract with immediate effect. The Italian coach took charge of Amakhosi in July 2018.

"Assistant coach Patrick Mabedi’s contract has also been terminated. We would like to express our gratitude to both for all the efforts during their time at Kaizer Chiefs and wish them well."

Chiefs' next match is against their Gauteng rivals SuperSport United in a PSL fixture on Wednesday.

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