A cloud of uncertainty hangs over Cape Town Spurs as head coach Ernst Middendorp’s future remains on the line.
Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to city rivals Cape Town City deepened the woes for Spurs, who currently sit in the basement of the DStv Premiership, after picking only a win and a draw in 16 fixtures.
Whispers within the club’s hierarchy have surfaced, revealing growing concerns about deep-seated unrest brewing within the dressing room.
Sources close to the club hint at fractures within the squad, with reports of discontent simmering beneath the surface. The source of discontent stems from how Middendorp is handling players. Some players find his communication abrasive and demoralising
This internal disharmony casts a shadow over Middendorp’s leadership, raising questions about his ability to unify and motivate the team. Spurs are on a break until next week Monday, after which they will resume preparations for the second round of the 2023/24 DStv Premiership season.
But before that, the club’s hierarchy must decide on Middendorp’s future. Spurs are reportedly considering a coaching change as growing pressure mounts on under-fire boss Middendorp. Additionally, they found Middendorp’s public interactions with fans on Sunday unsettling, given his standing and experience.
Coupled with the increasing chorus of ‘coach must go’ chants from the stands, Middendorp’s position has become increasingly untenable.
The German, known for his fiery personality and demanding coaching style, must offer convincing solutions to these issues if he hopes to retain his position. The onus is on him to demonstrate how he plans to mend the fractured dressing room environment and reignite the team’s spirit. Failure to do so could see the axe fall, potentially opening the door for a complete overhaul of the Spurs’ footballing direction.
HAVE SPURS REGRESSED UNDER ERNST MIDDENDORP?
Spurs’ only win this season came against Orlando Pirates on 1 November under the guidance of then interim coach Sean Connor. Despite suffering narrow losses to SuperSport United [2-1] and Kaizer Chiefs [3-2], the team’s performance under Connor hinted at a return to the attractive, possession-based football that was the hallmark of the original Ajax Cape Town.
Connor, a seasoned Northern Irish manager with extensive African experience, is the club’s technical director. He was in charge briefly after the exit of Shaun Bartlett. Meanwhile, Spurs have started beefing up their squad ahead of the second round.
They recently announced the signing of veteran defender Rafiq de Goede. The club is reportedly eyeing a fullback who previously worked with Middendorp at Maritzburg United. All things being equal, they could also make two more attacking signings during the January transfer window.
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