New Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp admitted that he couldn’t turn down a club the size of the Soweto giants when he received the call, writes DEAN WORKMAN.

Chiefs decided to terminate the contracts of Giovanni Solinas and assistant coach Patrick Mabedi on Friday after a below par start to the 2018/19 season.

Middendorp was the selected replacement by the hierarchy at Naturena, and will join with the club sitting 11th on the Absa Premiership log with only 18 points, having won just four of their 14 league matches.

The German coach, who was the technical director at Bangkok United prior to his appointment at Chiefs, admitted to the media on Monday that he couldn’t turn down a club the size of Chiefs, even though there will be obvious challenges.

‘It was an approach and a final agreement was reached in just two and a half days.

‘I was busy with my job in Bangkok United over the past two years where I was still contracted and had another year.

‘The call came and for me it was a situation where a team like Kaizer Chiefs and the brand with its huge support is calling, there is no one in Africa could deny that chance.

‘Knowing that it is a huge challenge, knowing that a lot of expectations are around, I’m was able to make my decision and take the step on the agreement [with the club] and jump straight in to work with the team and prepare the team for the next game on Wednesday,’ concluded Middendorp.