In a surprising turn of events, Cape Town Spurs have reappointed coach Ernst Middendorp just days after announcing his departure.

The club initially attributed the separation to financial constraints, hinting at a potential breakdown in negotiations. However, it appears they revisited the situation, leading to a renegotiated deal with the former Kaizer Chiefs coach.

Middendorp, who arrived in November, couldn’t prevent Spurs’ relegation from the DStv Premiership. The team finished last in the table, forcing them into the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

However, in a surprising turn of events, Spurs announced Middendorp’s return in a statement, emphasizing a shared commitment to the club’s vision on Monday.

“Cape Town Spurs FC are pleased to announce that coach Middendorp will be returning to the “Impossible Mission” he once labelled the experience to be after he took over the team in November with only 3 points on the board,” the club said in a statement.  

“This turn of events signifies that both, club and coach, are fully invested in the vision that CT SPURS F.C. set for itself after the withdrawal of Ajax Amsterdam in October 2020.”  

Middendorp echoed the sentiment, expressing his initial excitement about the project and a desire to build upon the groundwork laid. He acknowledged the relegation setback but highlighted his continued interest in the challenge.

“I bought into the vision of the club from day one. The picture that the board put in front of me, really excited me and we had started implementing the plans with the intention on building on this in the new season,” explained the coach 

“Unfortunately, we were a couple of points short at the end and were relegated. The challenge of the project, however, remained in my mind even though the club and I decided to part ways.  

The coach further explained a productive meeting with the board that led to overcoming the initial obstacles.

“When I returned to Cape Town Sunday, I received a call from the directors to meet up for breakfast. We were able to carve a way through the obstacles that were originally there.  

“I am happy to say that we can now continue from where we left off and deliver, together with the board, the club that we all envisage to see one day attaining its rightful place in SA football,” concluded the coach. 

This unexpected turn of events sees Middendorp venture into uncharted territory, coaching in the second tier of South African football for the first time in his PSL career.