Ajax Cape Town CEO Ari Efstathiou has revealed the reason behind former head coach Andries Ulderink’s resignation on Friday.

The 50-year-old coach unexpectedly resigned last Friday ahead of their GladAfrica Championship clash with Free State Stars in Bethlehem on Saturday.

The Urban Warriors failed to secure all three points and extend their lead at the top of the league table after playing out to a 2-2 draw at Goble Park.

However, the club’s CEO has since confirmed that Ulderin’s sudden resignation was due to the suspension of Hans Vonk and Efstathiou’s refusal to lift it.

Vonk, head of youth at Ikamva, is currently suspended pending an investigation into serious charges of misconduct. However, there has been no decision made yet on whether he will be charged or not and whether he will face a disciplinary enquiry.

‘It is extremely disappointing that the coach made the decision to resign based on Vonk’s suspension. Vonk’s suspension has no bearing on the job of the head coach. More disappointing, however, is the timing of his announcement. This is a critical time for the club as it is fighting to win promotion to the PSL. Making the decision to resign, several hours prior to flying to face Free State Stars, is even more astonishing,’ Efstathiou told his club’s official website.

‘To be threatened by the coach to lift Vonk’s suspension, failing which he would tender his resignation, is unprofessional and totally unacceptable by any employee, let alone the head coach of the club. I had no choice but to accept his resignation.’

The Urban Warriors haven’t yet made an announcement on Ulderink’s successor.