Clayton Daniels’ Frustration with Cape Town Spurs Coach Ernst Middendorp

Veteran South African defender Clayton Daniels has voiced his discontent with how his football career concluded at Cape Town Spurs, with sharp criticisms directed at his former coach, Ernst Middendorp. The 37-year-old, now playing for Crystal Palace Football Club in Cape Town and assisting Bradley August, recounted the end of his professional career as a time filled with frustration and disappointment.

In a candid interview, Daniels expressed his love for football, calling it the “heartbeat” of his life. Reflecting on nearly two decades in the sport, including stints at top clubs and the national team, he noted how football had shaped his resilience both on and off the field. Despite this, his tenure at Cape Town Spurs, a club he cherished for giving him a platform in the PSL, ended on a sour note.

Daniels recounted the abrupt moment when Middendorp informed him he would no longer be part of the squad. “I was simply told: ‘Clayton Daniels, you are no longer going to be part of the playing squad, you won’t be playing anymore.’ It was disheartening because that decision should have come from me. No coach, not even my parents, should dictate my career decisions, as I’m the one who has to live with them,” Daniels said.

He revealed that his dedication to Spurs, especially leading them back to the top division after years of struggle, made the manner of his departure even more painful. Daniels said he approached the club’s CEO, Alexis Efstathiou, hoping for support to play until the season’s end, but was instead offered an assistant coach position alongside Middendorp, which he declined. “I understood how the coach operates – it’s his way or the highway,” Daniels explained.

Daniels shared that he had previously supported Middendorp, recommending him to Spurs management and even helping him during tough times at Maritzburg United when the coach faced the challenge of relegation battles. “When Middendorp called me while at SuperSport United, asking for my help to fight relegation at Maritzburg United, I immediately agreed. We survived two seasons together, even after selling key players,” he said, highlighting the loyalty he felt was not reciprocated.

He also recalled stepping in during a confrontation between Middendorp and fans at Cape Town Stadium, illustrating the depth of his support for the coach.

Despite their history, Daniels expressed disappointment that experienced players, himself included, were sidelined by the club. “Halfway through the season, the bosses asked for my input because I was the captain. I recommended coach Middendorp, having experienced his successful tenure before. I brought him in, only for him to turn his back on me six months later,” Daniels said.

In his final thoughts, Daniels emphasized the need for better management skills. “With all due respect to the coach, I told him he has his UEFA Pro Licence, but he needs to manage things better. I’ve learned the hard way, especially from a club I was willing to give everything for.”