Ernst Middendorp has resigned as Maritzburg United coach to “save the brand” after a spell of poor performances, the club has confirmed.
Faldu Davids will assume the vacant role on an interim basis.
The “Team of Choice” have only won twice, lost and drew four times each in their last ten Premier Soccer League (PSL) outings, and are placed 9th in the South African topflight standings with 10-points.
The 58-year old German manager, who was serving his third stint with the “Team of Choice”, had promised leave after their fixture against Cape Town City, which they narrowly lost 3-2 on Tuesday.
“Circumstances put us in a disadvantage and as such we lost critical points that would see us on a much better position on the log by now. It was very difficult to continue under such circumstances. Eventually after the Highlands Park game where even the fans became emotional, I took two days off to reflect on the situation and the club brand being under threat as a result,” Middendorp told the club’s website.
“I then approached the Chairman and persuaded him to release me from the contract for the sake of avoiding damage to the club and to protect the brand.
“I indicated that after the Cape Town assignment, I would resign. The Chairman tried very hard to persuade me to stay and complete what I had started, but I felt very strongly that it is in the interest of the club that I step down because with me in the equation, it would be difficult to experience a different situation on the field than what we had experienced already. I had to remove myself from the equation,” he further explained.
The former Chippa and Golden Arrows coach was recalled to the club 11 months ago to help them escape relegation, which he did on the last day of 2015/16 season.
He was subsequently awarded a 2-year deal, and given the mandate to mould serious outfit for the 2016/17 season.
“I believe that I have assembled a squad that is capable of challenging to be in a strong position this season, and I would therefore not like to see them being compromised. I leave the club with a very clear conscience that we worked well together and I received a lot of support from the Chairman, the Board, Management and the players, and I wish them all the best for the remainder of the season and the future.”
Maritzburg is home to Kenyan international defender Brian Mandela.
