'Frustrated' ex-Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp writes to PSL over 'malversation, manipulation, and political interference' - 'Match officials demonstrate questionable impartiality, hinting at influence or even fixing'

Former Kaizer Chiefs head coach Ernst Middendorp has written a letter to the Premier Soccer League to express his concern over the officiating in the National First Division.

The Cape Town Spurs head coach says the level of officiating in the second tier is questionable, and this will work against integrity as a key principle in the league.

“I am deeply frustrated with both the on-field officiating and off-field governance. Systemic malversation is a serious concern," Middendorp said.

“To the leadership of the Premier Soccer League (PSL), SAFA, and the broader South African football community, I am writing this letter as a football professional with 31 years of experience and an advocate for fair competition, integrity, and the transformative power of soccer," he added.

“It is with deep disappointment and concern that I must address the systemic issues that have affected the National First Division (NFD), both on and off the field."

“It is crucial to acknowledge that the integrity of any league depends on the credibility of its administration and officiating. When these foundational elements falter, the ripple effects spread across every facet of the league, tarnishing its reputation and undermining its purpose."

“The players, who train tirelessly to showcase their talents, find themselves demoralized by external factors that overshadow their performances.” 

The German tactician further claimed that decisions have been made indoors, and this, he insists, allows power and influence to overshadow merits and rules.

“The NFD, meant to be a fair and merit-driven platform, is plagued by malversation, manipulation, and political interference. Match officials frequently demonstrate questionable impartiality and competence, hinting at influence or even fixing. Such issues aren’t isolated but part of a larger problem; our competition is compromised, leaving honest clubs disillusioned while irregular practices go unchecked," the former Maritzburg United coach added.

“Decisions made behind closed doors, whether about licensing, eligibility, discipline, or favouritism, imply that power and influence outweigh merit and rules. This undermines trust among league members, fans, sponsors, and future generations who see football as a path forward.”

“The NFD should be a pillar of our developmental system — a league where professionalism, transparency, and meritocracy are not optional but expected.”

Throughout the just-concluded season, the experienced tactician has been calling out what he calls unfair officiating. His letter just highlights his general view on the subject matter.

Middendorp's Spurs were relegated from the Motsepe Foundation Championship to the ABC Motsepe Regional League in Cape Town at the end of the concluded season.

After the 2022-23 season, Spurs were relegated from the PSL.

It is now a matter of waiting to see whether the PSL will answer Middendorp after he wrote the letter.

Fans who agree with the former Golden Arrows coach will wait to see what steps PSL will take to ensure the integrity of the league is protected.