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Middendorp to stabilise Ea Lla Koto

Free State Stars' boss Rantsi Mokoena says they have not hired coach Ernst Middendorp for a rescue mission because Ea Lla Koto are not relegation candidates.

"It's too early to talk survival because we believe we are a Top 8 team and there is still plenty of time to regroup [Stars are bottom of the league table]," said Mokoena yesterday after concluding a one-year deal with Middendorp, who replaces Kinnah Phiri. The Malawian was given the boot last week having failed to win any of the club's three league matches in the new campaign.

Mokoena talked up Middendorp's track record even though he has been widely criticised for being a journeyman with little success. "We have no doubts regarding our decision," he said. "The coach has no heavy mandate but we trust his credentials because he knows SA football and can make us competitive with the material that we have."

Asked why the two parties had only agreed to a short-term contract, Mokoena suggested they would use the current campaign to see whether Middendorp will adjust at the club.

"We are not a bad team but we know we have had two tough seasons and we just need to regroup," Mokoena said. "And we didn't want to commit to a lengthy relationship before we want to see how the coach adjusts to his new surroundings. We think a season should be enough to do that." Middendorp will be in charge of Stars when they host Chippa United - a club he recently parted ways with on September 12.

He has been without a job since Chippa fired him, leading to a legal dispute with the Port Elizabeth-based side.

Mokoena said Middendorp has been allowed to bring in his own assistant coach, but was yet to announce who will make up his backroom staff.