Cape Town Spurs Football Club has confirmed the departure of head coach Ernst Middendorp following the team’s relegation to the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

Middendorp joined Spurs in November 2023, taking over from caretaker coach Sean Connor after the dismissal of Shaun Bartlett. However, despite his efforts, he was unable to prevent the club’s descent from the DStv Premiership.

“Cape Town Spurs F.C. and Ernst Middendorp have mutually agreed to terminate their working relationship with immediate effect,” the club stated in a press release.

Spurs CEO Alexi Efstathiou expressed gratitude for Middendorp’s contributions. “On behalf of the board and the club, we would like to convey our sincere gratitude to Ernst for his commitment and dedication over the recent months,” said Efstathiou. 
 
“The spirited fight that he was able to master in the second phase with our team was nothing short of amazing. 
 
“Unfortunately, due to the restrictive financial environment of the NFD, the club was unable to extend the relationship.”

Efstathiou elaborated that the club’s financial situation in the Motsepe Foundation Championship played a role in the decision. “Unfortunately, due to the limitations of the NFD budget, we were unable to extend the coach’s contract,” he explained. “However, it is important to clarify that the decision was amicable, and Coach Middendorp expressed his willingness to continue and help the team achieve promotion back to the PSL.”

Despite a challenging start with three consecutive losses, Middendorp secured his first win against AmaZulu in his sixth game. He went on to lead Spurs to victories over TS Galaxy, Richards Bay, Royal AM, and a final flourish against Kaizer Chiefs in the season’s closing match. Overall, Middendorp’s record at Spurs stands at five wins, ten losses, and five draws in 20 matches across all competitions.