Exclusive: Dutch coach Alfons Groenendijk offered to AmaZulu

SABC Sport can exclusively reveal the 49-year-old, currently working at Turkish Super League outfit Antalyaspor as an assistant to Nuri Sahin, is keen on a move to the Premier Soccer League. 

Groenendijk holds a UEFA Pro License and, according to the information provided, is in the final month of his contract. 

The league is just three games away from its finale, but Antalyaspor are not out of the woods yet in their fight to avoid relegation. 

Groenendijk has coached in his native Holland, Romania and Abu Dhabi as head tactician, assistant and technical director.

He comes from a long line of the Ajax Amsterdam school of thought, having been in charge of their U19 and U21 development sides. 

It’s understood AmaZulu have not yet made formal contact with Groenendijk, although they have been made aware of his availability for next season. 

Usuthu are searching for a permanent replacement for Romain Folz, who was removed as head coach and appointed technical director, following a string of poor results that landed the club in the relegation zone. 

Ayanda Dlamini was given the reins as interim coach in the final few games of the 2022/23 season and managed to rescue the Durban outfit by finishing four places above the drop zone.

However, it appears ‘Cobra’ is unlikely to be given the job beyond the original agreement, with sources indicating president Sandile Zungu is looking for the right fit for the upcoming campaign.

Whether that will be Groenendijk, who does not have PSL experience – though he has been around the world and is highly qualified – remains to be seen.