Ernst Middendorp, a veteran coach, has revealed to PSLSA his advice to Maritzburg United to bring in Karim Kimvuidi before the player became a star with Orlando Pirates. The 21-year-old Democratic Republic of Congo playmaker was the scorer of the Buccaneers’ winning penalty as they defended their MTN8 trophy at Moses Mabhida Stadium earlier this month.
Middendorp, who was the head coach of Maritzburg United at the time, praised Kimvuidi for his immense talent. “When I spoke to you about him, he wasn’t even playing yet, but I spoke highly of him. He was only training with us and unfortunately, we couldn’t use him (because he wasn’t registered),” said Middendorp.
The coach also recalled a game he watched for Maritzburg, where Kimvuidi was sitting on the bench for 95 minutes. “I said to Farook (Kadodia), ‘Whenever you want to give advice to anybody in the technical team, please do it. This Karim can’t sit on the bench. He must be starting, he must be involved, and if you don’t see what he is capable of, then something is missing in your team.’ That’s it,” Middendorp added.
