Ex-Chiefs coach lands new job in Ethiopia

Top Ethiopian side Saint George have announced the arrival of former Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp, who is expected to take up the reins of the side in the next week.

Middendorp was axed as Chiefs boss after failing to lead the side to the league title last month on a heart-breaking final day when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Baroka FC, but has jumped straight back into coaching in East Africa.

“Saint George appointed Ernst Middendorp as the first team head coach,” the club announced. “The former Kaizer Chiefs coach is expected to assume his post within a week. The Ethiopian Premier League is scheduled to commence the season on 12 December.

“The experienced coach has almost two months to prepare his team for the new season.”

SuperSport viewers will be able to follow the progress of Middendorp with the Ethiopian league set to be broadcast live by the channel in the new season.

It will be a first job for the German coach in East Africa. Aside from his extensive stay in South Africa, he has also previously led Ghanaian sides Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak.

Saint George have won a record 29 league titles in Ethiopia, to go with 12 national cups. They made the group stages of the CAF Champions League in 2017.

They were leading the league with 23 points from 12 games when the 2019-20 season was annulled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite their domestic dominance, clubs such as Jimma Aba Jifar and Mekelle 70 Enderta have risen in recent years to claim the Ethiopian league, leaving Middendorp with the task of getting his side back on top.