Batambuze, Wadada coachless as Singida coach quits amid allegations of intrigue, interference

Middendorp (right) engaging one of his technical team members (left) at training. (Singida Media).

STARS ABROAD Batambuze, Wadada coachless as Singida coach quits amid allegations of intrigue, interference

Peter Tabu • 19:15 - 19.09.2023

In a shock move, Middendorp, appointed head coach two weeks ago, announced his resignation just two weeks after taking up the role, citing, among other things, intrigue at the club.

Tanzanian Premier League side Singida Fountain Gate FC is embroiled in a scandal involving the technical team previously led by Germany coach Ernest Middendorp.

In a shock move, Middendorp, appointed head coach two weeks ago, announced his resignation just two weeks after taking up the role, citing, among other things, intrigue at the club.

According to the former Kaizer Chiefs and Moroka Swallows head coach through a lengthy statement shared on social media, the drama started last Friday after Singida's 1-0 CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round first-leg win against Egypt's Future FC in Dar-es-Salaam.

The club hierarchy called for a meeting highlighting many issues, including questioning Middendorp why the club only won by the 1-0 scoreline and why some players didn't make the starting lineup.

They also demanded the reinstatement of a former assistant head coach, believed to be Matia Lule, who served in the same capacity under former head coach Hans van der Pluijm.

The lengthy statement Middendorp issued on Tuesday. (Middendorp Twitter)

The club is home to two Uganda Cranes internationals, right-back Nicholas Wadada and left-back Shafik Batambuze. Until recently, former URA FC goalkeeper coach Steven Billy Kiggundu held the same role at the club but left unceremoniously.

With the team lacking a head coach and Matia Lule lurking in the background, the former Uganda Cranes and Express FC head coach could take temporary charge, which was before Middendorp came in.

Ernest Middendorp gestures during training with Singida Fountain Gate FC. (Singida Media).

Singida Fountain Gate has managed two points in as many games and sits 12th on the log.

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