Ernst Middendorp was fired and rehired in the space of 10 months by Maritzburg United after club chairman Farouk Kadodia admitted yesterday that it had been a mistake to terminate the coach's contract.
Club supporters vented their frustration on social networks yesterday regarding Ian Palmer's sacking and Middendorp's re-appointment.
Kadodia said the club was willing to explain bringing back the former Kaizer Chiefs manager. Even before he was fired by United, Middendorp offered to resign. At the time, there were six Premier League matches left in the season and the club faced relegation.
Instead of accepting Middendorp's offer, Kadodia urged him to stay and help Maritzburg avoid the drop. Middendorp said at the time that he could not deal with the mentality of the players.
"M aybe I'm asking the club to fire me," he said.
Ten days later, with United drawing 2-2 against Vasco, Middendorp was fired and Palmer hired.
Kadodia said yesterday that he always believed Middendorp "can do the job ".
Maritzburg escaped relegation with Palmer in charge, finishing 12th on the log.
Kadodia said he did not have the luxury of seeking a new coach, who would need time to settle in halfway through the season.
"We felt [Middendorp] knew the team well and had worked with different teams in South Africa, and therefore still had the experience to coach our team," he said.
"He knows our style of football and ... the players' mentality is in a better state now than when he asked to be fired last season."
The chairman admitted that there had been other candidates for the coaching job. Reports linked former Orlando Pirates treble winner Ruud Krol to the club.
Maritzburg are 11th on the log after 15 matches and are four points off the top eight.
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