Latest news with #Ulderink
IOL News
2 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Promotion showdown: Cape Town City fight for survival as play-Offs begin
The Dutchman Andries Ulderink has arrived at Cape Town City FC and has taken charge as the club prepares for the crucial PSL promotion/relegation play-offs. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Historically, the balance of power has often tipped in favour of the PSL teams during the dreaded PSL promotion/relegation play-offs. This season's three-team mini-tournament, initially scheduled to start at the end of last month, will now kick off on Wednesday in Rustenburg. The play-offs were postponed due to unresolved issues in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, involving Durban City, JDR Stars, and Cape Town Spurs. As a result, the league's restructuring has now set the stage for the two National First Division (NFD) teams — Casric Stars and Orbit College — from the Motsepe Foundation Championship to begin their campaign later this week. Casric Stars, a Mpumalanga-based club, finished third, while Orbit College, based in Rustenburg, finished runners-up to NFD winners Durban City FC. Over the past decade, top-flight PSL sides have managed to retain their league status in six of the past 10 seasons. Four seasons saw teams from the NFD secure promotion via these play-offs. Among recent notable upsets, Cape Town Spurs' triumph in the play-offs three seasons ago earned them a place in the PSL, marking a significant milestone for lower-division sides. As the play-offs loom, Cape Town City find themselves in a precarious position after finishing 15th in the Betway Premiership. City have maintained their PSL status since acquiring the rights of Mpumalanga Black Aces in 2016. Their recent slump, however, leaves the once-prominent club teetering on the edge of relegation. When considering upsets in the play-offs, Maritzburg United's fall from grace in the 2022/23 season underscores the risks inherent in this system. They finished 15th but were ultimately replaced in the top flight by Cape Town Spurs. The last successful promotion via the play-offs occurred in the 2017/18 season, when Black Leopards seized their opportunity after Platinum Stars fell short. Highlands Park and Jomo Cosmos also achieved promotion in consecutive seasons (2015 and 2016) as NFD sides capitalised on the misfortunes of established PSL teams. In the past decade, clubs such as Richards Bay, Moroka Swallows, and Chippa United have successfully fended off relegation during this intense mini-tournament. Adding intrigue to the mix, Cape Town City have appointed new head coach Andries Ulderink to help steer them through these turbulent waters. The 55-year-old Dutch tactician joined the club after leaving his role as assistant coach at Glasgow Rangers. His arrival marks a new chapter for City, although the newly formed coaching structure comes on the back of a season marred by inconsistency and a desperate battle for survival. As the premiership battle intensifies, Ulderink's leadership will be crucial for a squad in need of revitalisation and belief. The outcome of the upcoming play-offs could reshape the landscape of South African football as we know it.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Antwerp head coach set to join Erik Ten Hag at Bayer Leverkusen
HLN are reporting that Antwerp's now former head coach Andries Ulderink is set to move to the Bundesliga. According to the Belgian paper, Ulderink is set to become part of the coaching set up under Erik Ten Hag at Bayer Leverkusen. Former Ajax and Manchester United head coach Ten Hag took over at the club following Xabi Alonso's departure to Real Madrid. Since leaving Antwerp, Ulderink has been helping at Cape Town City. The South African side face a relegation play-off group against Orbit College and Casric Stars. There had been rumours that he would taking over in the Western Cape, but it appears he is instead going to reutrn to Europe. However, talks are ongoing between Ulderink's camp and Erik Ten Hag's new side over bringing the former Antwerp head coach in as an assistant. Dutch coach Ulderink took over for the play-offs in the Pro League from Jonas De Roeck after he was fired. However, the side still missed out on European football. They finished fifth, with Ulderink only winning two of his 13 matches in charge. The seventh loss under him was the most crucial, as it came in the play-off for the final European ticket. Charleroi beat Antwerp at the Bosuil thanks to a late goal from Parfait Guaigon. GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Mystery over ex-Rangers coach's next move as he ‘takes charge of new club days after having talks with Bayer Leverkusen'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HE looked set to swap one top European club for another after his short managerial stint in Belgium came to an end. But despite reportedly having talks with Bayer Leverkusen lined up, this former Rangers coach has in fact been spotted 6,000 miles away instead. 1 He was Philippe Clement's right-hand man at Ibrox Credit: Getty Andries Ulderink, previously Philippe Clement's No.2 at Ibrox, was most recently the manager Antwerp - until a few days ago. The Dutchman took over as boss in March - less than three months after his Gers exit - but his time in the dugout is over already, having won just two out of his 13 games in charge. Antwerp chiefs decided not to extend his contract beyond this season which led to questions around his next move. According to Voetbal International, Ulderink revealed he was set to travel to Germany for discussions with Bayer Leverkusen about being Erik Ten Hag's new assistant manager. It's claimed the pair know each other well, and the ex-Man Utd and Ajax gaffer - who replaced Xabi Alonso in the hot-seat last week - is keen to work with him in the Bundesliga. But in a bizarre turn of events, Ulderink, 55, looks set to make a swift return to management in South Africa instead. The experienced coach has been spotted taking a training session at one of his former clubs - Cape Town FC - and local reports suggest his appointment will be announced imminently. It's an unusual move at this time of the season as he takes charge just days before the relegation play-offs. The Citizens finished second-bottom in the league and will battle it out in a three-team group to hold onto their top flight status. The second and third placed teams in the second tier face off against the club in Cape Town City's position each season, with six games played in total - each side playing one another home and away. Rangers fans react as 49ers takeover completed The team which finishes top of the group will compete in the top division next season. The play-offs get underway on June 11, with Cape Town City's first game scheduled against Casric Stars three days later. They then face their first game against Orbit College on June 18. It's unclear at this stage whether or not Ulderink will stay in South Africa beyond the play-offs, or if he plans to take up the job at Bayer Leverkusen after helping his old club steer clear of the drop. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
