Still without a win, Ernst Middendorp has made clear his determination to stay on as Chippa United coach and delivered an emphatic promise that the club would not be relegated.
As speculation over his position continued to swirl around, the 56-year-old German and club officials are divided on his future, but Middendorp insisted the Port Elizabeth club would stay up in the top flight a season after winning the National First Division.
This is in spite of being without a win since November with their 1-1 draw at home to bottom-placed AmaZulu at the weekend - stretching their winless streak in the league to 11 games. Middendorp has yet to garner a victory since taking over in January as the third coach this season of a club in turmoil.
Fans had been demonstrating against the coach, both last week and during the AmaZulu game, but Middendorp said this spurred him on even more.
He also said internal strife at the club threatened their chances but he was determined to plough through.
"Inside the club some people are not able to see it, but we the technical staff and players are supporting each other. Our mentality is not to quit or to run away," he said.
Middendorp said 32 points was the minimum that the Chilli Boyz needed to stay up, and he was "100% convinced" they would make it.
Chippa won't be relegated, vows coach
Still without a win, Ernst Middendorp has made clear his determination to stay on as Chippa United coach and delivered an emphatic promise that the club would not be relegated.
As speculation over his position continued to swirl around, the 56-year-old German and club officials are divided on his future, but Middendorp insisted the Port Elizabeth club would stay up in the top flight a season after winning the National First Division.
This is in spite of being without a win since November with their 1-1 draw at home to bottom-placed AmaZulu at the weekend - stretching their winless streak in the league to 11 games. Middendorp has yet to garner a victory since taking over in January as the third coach this season of a club in turmoil.
Fans had been demonstrating against the coach, both last week and during the AmaZulu game, but Middendorp said this spurred him on even more.
He also said internal strife at the club threatened their chances but he was determined to plough through.
"Inside the club some people are not able to see it, but we the technical staff and players are supporting each other. Our mentality is not to quit or to run away," he said.
Middendorp said 32 points was the minimum that the Chilli Boyz needed to stay up, and he was "100% convinced" they would make it.
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