Swallows FC coach Ernst Middendorp has made a surprise return to Germany, leaving the Soweto giants to join Third Bundesliga side Meppen.
Middendorp cancelled his contract with t he Dube Birds that was running until 2026 and signed with Meppen until the end of the campaign.
“We are convinced that Ernst Middendorp can help us with his experience in our current situation,” Meppen Sporting Director Heiner Beckmann said.
“I have always been in contact with Middendorp and know how extensively he follows the 3. Liga and in particular Meppen, even from afar.”
Middendorp leaves Swallows in 14th place, with eight games to go. He was in charge 10 DStv Premiership games, winning three, drawing two and losing five – including a 4-1 defeat to Orlando Pirates last week Friday.
The German tactician is expected to arrive in Germany on Wednesday and will take charge of his first session in the afternoon.
It’s Middendorp’s first return to Germany after coaching for 14 years abroad. Swallows were Middendorp’s seventh club in South Africa after Maritzburg United, Kaizer Chiefs, Free State Stars, Chippa United, Bloemfontein Celtic and Golden Arrows.
The 64-year-old, throughout his career in the PSL with over 400 matches in charge – more than any other foreign coach, has won only two trophies, namely the ABSA Cup and SAA Super 8.
In Germany, Middendorp was in charge of Arminia Bielefeld thrice – with the club naming him their Coach of the Century in 2005, as well as Rot-Weiß Essen, KFC Uerdingen, FC Augsburg and VfL Bochum.
