Middendorp explains Swallows FC U-turn

The German-born mentor had been heavily linked to the Soweto club back in September and understood then to be the front runner in replacing Dylan Kerr, who was sacked after a string of poor results. 

But Middendorp accepted a pilot project to work alongside former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to help the world governing football body have a better synergy with its 211 affiliated member associations.

Swallows then elevated assistant coach Musa Nyatama to take over the reins temporarily while their search continued. 

Middendorp has clarified to SABC Sport why things changed. 

“This is why it was called a pilot project and it ran until the end of November. I could have decided to continue, but this is the decision I took,” Middendorp, who was also reportedly being courted by AmaZulu a few months ago, said. 

“I am then still going to sit down with the chairman (David Mogashoa) and really get a deeper analysis on the club and speak to coach Musa (Nyatama) as well. I cannot discuss things at length at this moment.” 

The 64-year-old does not come in blind because he was spotted at most of the Premier Soccer League games earlier this season, including Swallows fixtures. 

“You will find me at all levels – PSL and ABC Motsepe League as well as academy football. That is my job to have a clear understanding of everything,” Middendorp adds. 

He will face the challenge of arriving at a club that is currently under a transfer ban and will not be able to beef up the squad when the registration window opens next month, but Mogashoa gave SABC Sport an update.  

“We are still in communication with the claimants (the old Moroka Swallows owes two ex-players money). We should have an update by Friday next week. The coach knows and he will work with the players we have currently. But for me it’s a priority to get this FIFA ban lifted before the January window closes,” the chairman explained.