Hearts Coach Quits - Off To South Africa

Middendorp most probably Pirate's coach

The former Ghana Asante Kotoko coach has been linked to the 1995 African Champions League winners for almost two seasons.

He is set to take over from Zimbabwean Roy Barreto who has since rejoined First Division League side Free State Stars.

Pirates have been without a coach since the departure of Barreto to Stars via Manning Rangers about six months ago.

Barreto worked as Rangers coach and later development head before returning to the Free State side three weeks ago.

Following the departure of Barreto, club chairman Irvin Khoza appointed Augusto Palacios caretaker coach until the end of the season.

The well-travelled Palacios will return to the development programme of the club that he has been heading since its inception six seasons ago.

Khoza is expected to name the coach Pirates coach before the end of the week. The new coach will be in charge when Pirates play Sable de Batie of Cameroon during the Confederation Cup on July 9.

He will also be on the bench when Pirates entertain ASV Club of the Democratic Republic of Congo during in Mmabatho on July 11.