After what could be described as a disastrous season for Kaizer Chiefs, Ernst Middendorp fate will be known in the coming few weeks to come after Mamelodi Sundowns leapfrogged to win the ABSA Premiership campaign with a two-point gap over Chiefs in the just ended 2019-20 ABSA Premiership season.
Despite sailing the Amakhosi ship to a 2nd place and breaking the 5-year record of points gained in a single campaign Chiefs fans have moved a motion for the ouster of the 61-year-old German gaffer.
The failure of Chiefs to end the trophy drought has sparked debate over Middendorp future who failed to keep the momentum of Chief’s rollercoaster after the Corona Virus break despite having one of the best squads in the league.
Chief’s top hierarchy is yet to issue a press statement over the issue which has flooded over the media that the 61-year-old tactician might be replaced by Gavin Hunt whom Chiefs are believed to have already contacted for the job.
Hunt, who is free to accept any contract offer after partying ways with Bidvest after a mutual agreement since they are set to relocate to Venda. Hunt has been tipped as the next Chiefs gaffer to guide them in the upcoming ABSA Premiership campaign.
Gavin Hunt rumored for Soweto Giants’ job
With a year still on his agreement with Chiefs, Middendorp might survive the scare of his ouster from Naturena after it is also rumored that Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates have contacted Hunt for a job offer.
Josef Zinnbauer future is also uncertain after his performance was put under scrutiny if he was the right man to bring back the lost glory of Pirates after a poor run of form as expected. Despite guiding Pirates to the upcoming CAF Confederations Cup and settling for 3rd position.
Despite signing a three-year contract last year in December pressure is also mounting on Zinnbauer and Hunt’s name has been drawn to the equation of his replacement.
The summoning of Middendorp and other top Chiefs managerial staff at Naturena is said to be the turning point as it said to put to rest the speculations around the future of Middendorp.
It is believed that the sacking of Middendorp is possible and most likely but an official announcement awaits until both parties reach an agreement since the German gaffer still has a year on his initial contract.