Former Kaizer Chiefs and Maritzburg United coach Ernst Middendorp has resigned from his role in Germany.
Middendorp, 64, had left Swallows earlier in the year to join SV Meppen as head coach in his home country in March.
In May, he also took over the role Director of Football at the club.
But despite winning four of the last five games of the 2022/23 3. Bundesliga season, Middendorp wasn’t able to save the club from relegation.
He started the new campaign in the Regional Liga (4th Division) with one win and two defeats and resigned with a immediate effect after Wednesday’s defeat to Jeddeloh.
The club announced on Thursday that Middendorp still informed his players in the dressing room.
The club’s leadership were “completely surprised” by Middendorp’s decision, according Head of Sport Heiner Beckmann.
His stint at Meppen was Middendorp’s first return to Germany after coaching for 14 years abroad. Swallows, who he left in March, 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.
