Amakhosi fans endured a rollercoaster of emotions as Kaizer Chiefs sacked coach Giovanni Solinas and subsequently appointed former coach Ernst Middendorp.
The Soweto giants announced on Friday afternoon that they had parted ways with Solinas and assistant Patrick Mabedi, and were quick to announce German coach Middendorp as the Italian’s replacement.
Middendorp is no stranger to the club, having had a spell with them from 2005 to 2007, while he has also been in charge at Maritzburg United, Golden Arrows, Bloemfontein Celtic, Chippa United and Free State Stars.
Fans took to twitter to voice their displeasure at the move.
Heh vavanuna, Ernest MiddenDraw is back @KaizerChiefs ? Our teams’s managers never learn. #KaizerChiefs pic.twitter.com/N2vHL8y5n4
— Nyiko Ryser (@NyikoRyser) December 8, 2018
When I was Starting to think Kaizer Is Starting to get his senses back ! pic.twitter.com/e4rLp5ILMK
— BATI (@Bati_Zo) December 8, 2018
Some fans feel an overhaul of the squad is needed.
I think a footballer is at their peak for only one world cup circle. So, you can’t have a player at your club for over 5 years. You’d be left with a brand name but they have nothing more to offer. Look at Parker, Katsande etc. Kaizer chiefs Ernst Middendorp giovanni solinas pic.twitter.com/vTWuyowVxR
— Yeğet Kılıç (@yegetkilic) December 7, 2018
Fans did not expect the return of the man known as ‘MiddenDraw’
#MSW @robertmarawa am shocked on the decision to take this looser to be our coach. A guy who failed us before. I was thinking of Rudy Krol to be a replacement not this looser… @KaizerChiefs does not respect us at all… we going to be stuck with this for 2.5 years… lol pic.twitter.com/OfGNVTFrks
— Dj_Nickza (@muthivhelinn) December 8, 2018
Chiefs endured tough times under Middendorp prior to his sacking in 2007.
Kaizer Chiefs hired a coach they fired in March 2007, Same coach who finished outside of the top 8 in 2006/2007 season, The Same coach that watched hopelessly when Sundowns made 44 passes against Kaizer Chiefs. #KaizerChiefs #ErnstMiddendorp pic.twitter.com/9XAjZwSOW5
— Man’s Not Barry Roux (@AdvBarryRoux) December 8, 2018
In hindsight, Steve Komphela didn’t seem too bad, did he?
This man would like to chip in? pic.twitter.com/A5bsZPAqsz
— Ajax Cape Town (@ajaxcapetown) December 8, 2018
While fans were happy to see the back of Solinas, many were equally as baffled at the club’s subsequent replacement.
A very short story
…Kaizer Chiefs.. pic.twitter.com/dMWUAduhHG
— Khwezi (@khwezi_mk) December 8, 2018
Fans were quick to voice their displeasure with Middendorp’s appointment, which many feel further undermines the club’s large fanbase.
Family Business my Foot….mxm pic.twitter.com/lyiGfY6cE9
— Themba Motshwene (@ThembaJef) December 7, 2018
In reaction to Solinas’ sacking. Fans were glad to see him gone.
Finally the man had no idea how manage kaizer chiefs pic.twitter.com/c2bCHXY3xj
— @Msheqane-Thulani (@Thulani99151847) December 7, 2018
Defending Absa Premiership champions Sundowns also had their say on the matter
Ummmmmm. Effective from the 6th January? ? We 1-2 see something. ? pic.twitter.com/hGfyq2LuKQ
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) December 7, 2018
Progress?
Kaizer Chiefs have hired Ernst Middendorp on a two and half year deal. Same coach they fired in March 2007? Same coach who finished outside of the top 8 in 2006/2007 season? Same coach….. aaarg, never mind
— Mninawa Ntloko (@ntlokom) December 7, 2018
Interesting statistic regarding the sacking of Giovanni Solinas/
“Giovanni Solinas”
7 Wins
7 Draws
7 Loose
7 th on the log
7 letters on first name
7 latter on the surname
7th of December fired as Kaizer Chiefs Coach Kaizer Chiefs. #KaizerChiefs— Man’s Not Barry Roux (@AdvBarryRoux) December 7, 2018
Former Absa Premiership out6fit Ajax Cape Town also joined in on the fun
? KaizerChips ?
Sometimes the packaging looks different but we know the product is the same.@KaizerChiefs @OfficialPSL pic.twitter.com/1aSfJfC2vz
— Ajax Cape Town (@ajaxcapetown) December 8, 2018
More questions have been asked of the Soweto giants following the return of Middendrop
Can Bobby appear before the Zondo Commission, assomblief! Is Kaizer Chiefs broke? “Ernst Middendorp” pic.twitter.com/rny2UbJyC4
— Deelee Mogale (@Deeleenquent) December 7, 2018
Chiefs’ continuous downward spiral is being loved by opposition fans.
Ernst Middendorp….Kaizer Chiefs fans are having a nightmare of a season and am loving every minute of it pic.twitter.com/NlW5OtfgSX
— MLANGENI (@Nkosi_dlamini_) December 7, 2018
Chiefs even removed a poll which display their fans’ unhappiness at the new coach
Why did you remove this poll? @KaizerChiefs pic.twitter.com/Ns67pf5Pp8
— Mhlangenkosi (@AtnDube) December 8, 2018
Photo: Kaizer Chiefs official website