Middendorp joins Chippa

Chippa United have confirmed the appointment of Ernst Middendorp as head coach with immediate effect. 

The 56-year-old German-born mentor has agreed to a six-month contract with the Chilli Boys, a statement from the club said, with an option to renew at the end of the 2014/15 Absa Premiership season.

Middendorp brings in a wealth of experience after having coached Bloemfontein Celtic, Lamontville Golden Arrows, Maritzburg United and Kaizer Chiefs.

He will start his new job on Monday, January 5, where he will be introduced to the players.

"I would like to confirm the appointment of Ernst Middendorp as Chippa United head coach with immediate effect," club chairman Siviwe Mpengesi said.

"I am positive that his knowledge of the game will help improve our position in the Absa Premiership.

"We had a difficult period before the festive break where we collected only two points from a possible 15 and we could have done better.

"Therefore we decided to make changes within the technical staff as we did not want to continue disappointing the people of Eastern Cape who have been rallying behind the team in numbers.

"We felt Middendorp will bring new ideas that will inspire players and help them double their work-rate to ensure Chippa United finish the season in a respectable position."

Chippa's first match of 2015 is against University of Pretoria away at Tuks Stadium on February 10, before lacing up against Maritzburg United at home at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium where Middendorp will face his former club.

Mpengesi added: "I would like to thank Roger Sikhakhane for all the hard work that saw Chippa United unbeaten at some stage of the season. I would like to wish our supporters a prosperous 2015 and I have no doubt that the club will make you proud come end of season."