Ernst will have to fix early flaws
Draws spoiled first Amakhosi spell
Ernst Middendorp’s first spell at Kaizer Chiefs didn’t have a happy ending, despite the German coach winning two trophies.
The German arrived at Chiefs ahead of the 2005/06 season following a brief stint at Iranian side Tractor Sazi. During that campaign, Amakhosi finished third behind champions Mamelodi Sundowns and runners-up Orlando Pirates.
Chiefs were undone in the league title race because they drew too many matches. They won 12, but drew 14 and surrendered the title they had won the previous season. Middendorp guided the Soweto side to the Absa Cup title after beating rivals Orlando Pirates 5-3 on penalties at Durban’s Kings Park Stadium in May 2006. Finishing third also meant they had a shot at the SAA Supa8 title, which they won the following season by beating SuperSport United.
But that didn’t stop the club’s supporters from hurling insults at Middendorp and he was forced to quit in March 2007. By the time he left, Middendorp had been in charge of 68 official games. Chiefs won 31, drew 21 and lost 16.
In his first season, Chiefs scored 51 goals in 38 matches, including cup competitions. For his second spell, Middendorp will have to improve the numbers.
Middendorp’s Soweto derby record
Chiefs may have last won a Soweto derby in 2014 but during Middendorp’s reign, Amakhosi never lost to the Buccaneers. In his two years at the club, he guided Chiefs to three victories, including on penalties in the 2006 Absa Cup final, and one draw.