Kaizer Chiefs transfer ban no major concern for Middendorp

Kaizer Chiefs stand to find it a tad difficult to recruit players in the next two years, following a sanction handed to them by Fifa.

The game’s governing body found discrepancies in the manner in which they secured the services of ex-player Andriamirado Andrianarimanana, who joined from Malagasy outfit Fosa Juniors in 2018.

Transfer ban not an issue for Kaizer Chiefs coach

As a result, Amakhosi have been handed a two-year transfer ban, which they have vowed to appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

With the possibility of being unable to bring in new players for the foreseeable future, coach Ernst Middendorp remains a relaxed man.

“It is an office matter,” the German said.

For me, it’s nothing to discuss. I haven’t really had a discussion with the management about this. This is something I am not busy about at all. When there is a final word and it is something on the table, then we will find a solution.”

Ernst Middendorp

Middendorp went on to express faith in who he has at his disposal, pointing to the players recently promoted to the first team, as well as lengthy contracts recently signed by some of his existing charges. 

“Most of the players have contracts with a view to the next season,” Middendorp continued.

“We have some good young guys from Happy (Mashiyane) to Njabulo (Blom) and (Nkosingiphile) Ngcobo, and we have used them already. We also have some players out on loan with four at Moroka Swallows getting competitive game time.

“That is what we are busy about. I am not prepared to make a comment, for me, it is not final. The club has not informed us internally that we have to deal with it. For me, it is not relevant at all. With regards to the players, there is no confusion at all. They know their contract situation.

“The administration is dealing with it and when it is final we can start talking about what can be done.”

Ernst Middendorp

Ghost of ‘Dax’ hosts Amakhosi

Andrianarimanana, otherwise known as “Dax”, arrived at Kaizer Chiefs during Italian coach Giovanni Solinas’ tenure, but made most of his first-team appearances under the German.

He was loaned out to Black Leopards in the early days of the ongoing season, where he made 10 league appearances before his four-month ban, handed out by Fifa as a result of his role in the transfer saga.

Fosa Juniors approached the game’s governing body after Kaizer Chiefs had failed to compensate them for the transfer.