In a move dictated by tight finances, Cape Town Spurs announced coach Ernst Middendorp’s departure. The decision comes after CT Spurs failed to avoid the dreaded relegation axe just after one season in the DStv Premiership.
The German coach joined CT Spurs midway through the recently concluded 2023/24 season. During his tenure, the team secured five wins, five draws, and nine defeats in 19 games. He took over from Shaun Bartlett, who initially started the season with the Urban Warriors but faced challenges.
Under Middendorp’s leadership, CT Spurs displayed resilience in the season’s final games, securing victories against big teams like Chiefs and Orlando Pirates earlier in the campaign.
However, they finished the season at the bottom of the log standings with just 23 points from their six wins, five draws, and 19 defeats.
CT Spurs stated that despite the coach’s desire to stay, they had to release him due to financial restrictions as they prepare for life in the second-tier league.
CT SPURS AND MIDDENDORP PART WAYS
“Cape Town Spurs F.C. and Ernst Middendorp have mutually agreed to terminate their working relationship with immediate effect,” reads the club statement released on Monday, 3 June. In the same press release, Cape Town Spurs CEO Alexi Efstathiou thanked the former Kaizer Chiefs coach for his services and efforts in saving the club’s top-flight status.
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“On behalf of the board and the club, we would like to convey our sincere gratitude to Ernst for his commitment and dedication over the recent months. The spirited fight that he was able to master in the second phase with our team was nothing short of amazing.
“Unfortunately, due to the restrictive financial environment of the NFD, the club was unable to extend the relationship,” added Efstathiou. There is nothing sinister in the decision as the coach clearly indicated that he was willing to stay on and assist the team in getting promoted back to the PSL.” The Cape side will announce the next steps in due course.