By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Maritzburg United Football Club have parted ways with head coach Ernst Middendorp by mutual consent.
Team of Choice have already offloaded eight first team players as they prepare for the 2022/2023, including a few experienced campaigners.
The group included Steven Pereira, Lucky Baloyi, Nazeer Allie, Clayton Daniels and Ryan Rae. Their contracts were either about to expire or contained a renewal option that Maritzburg did not see fit to exercise, according to club boss Farook Kadodia.
The club have now decided to part ways with Middendorp, who took over from Eric Tinkler in November 2020.
The decision has now brought an end to the German coach’s fourth stint with Maritzburg after previous reigns in 2009, 2011 to 2013 and 2015.
Maritzburg have managed to keep themselves out of the drop-zone this season and they possessed the best goal difference among the five teams involved in the survival battle.
The well-travelled coach saw that as a crucial factor for his men and managed to keep it that way until the end of the season.
The speculation is that Fadlu Davids could return to the club following his Orlando Pirates exit.