Ernst Middendorp appointed new head coach of SV Meppen

Ernst Middendorp has been announced as the new head coach of German third division club SV Meppen.

The 64-year-old former Kaizer Chiefs mentor, who has coached in South Africa for 18 years, was most recently in charge of struggling DStv Premiership side Swallows FC.

He only joined the Dube Birds this season after some less than impressive results during his fourth stint with Maritzburg United.

But he reportedly terminated his contract before making the switch to his country of birth.

Middendorp leaves Swallows in 14th place on the standings, while his new club Meppen are currently in last place on the 3. Liga table after 25 games.

A club statement read: "The new head coach is Ernst Middendorp. He most recently coached Swallows FC in the South African Premier League.

"He canceled his contract there, which ran until the summer of 2026. Ernst Middendorp signed a contract with SVM until the end of the season."

Meppen sports director Heiner Beckmann added: "We are convinced that Ernst Middendorp can help us directly in the current situation with his enormous experience.

"I was in regular contact with him and I know how intensively Ernst Middendorp is."

Middendorp, who has previously coached in Germany with the likes of FC Augsburg, VfL Bochum and Arminia Bielefeld, replaces sacked coached Stefan Kramer.