Ernst Middendorp lands coaching gig in Ethiopia

by Bertin Basson

Thursday Oct 15, 2020. 09:05

Former Kaizer Chiefs head coach Ernst Middendorp will reportedly be named as the new head coach of Ethiopian club Saint George Sports Club, according to reports in the South African media.

Middendorp was sacked as Amakhosi boss last month after missing out on Absa Premiership glory on the final day of the 2019/20 season. Chiefs were favourites to lift the crown but could only conjure a 1-1 draw as Mamelodi Sundowns beat Black Leopards 3-0 to jump to the top of the log standings.

The 61-year-old was replaced by Gavin Hunt at Naturena and he is now set to coach outside South African borders for the first time in 11 years.

Middendorp, who has also enjoyed coaching spells in Germany, Ghana, Iran, China and Cyprus, will reportedly put pen-to-paper on a three-year deal in Addis Ababa.

Saints George are the most successful team in Ethiopian Premier League history. They have won the top division a record 29 times but haven’t for the past three seasons with last season deemed null-and-void due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Former Bidvest Wits and University of Pretoria striker Getaneh Kebede is contracted to the club.