Middendorp describes SA media reports as speculations

Accra, July 2, GNA - Ernst Middendorp, Head Coach of Accra Hearts of Oak has described as mere speculations, South African media reports linking to PSL Champions, Orlando Pirates.

The coach said although the South Africans had approached him, the last time he spoke with them was in January, this year, prior to his appointment as technical Director of Hearts.

A statement issued in Accra and signed by Mr Kobina Andoh Amoakwa, Media Director of Strategic Outsourcing Solutions (SOS) Networx, on behalf of the coach, said Middendorp returns next week from Germany to prepare Hearts' ahead of their confederation Cup tie against AS Diouanes in Accra on Sunday, July 11.

The coach left Accra on Thursday morning for Germany for further medical attention following severe chest pains. The statement copied to the GNA Sports said Middendorp went for preliminary tests at Korle Bu Cardiothoracic Centre on Wednesday and sought permission to visit his personal physician in Germany. It said the coach held lengthy meetings with his assistants prior to his departure and handed them detailed briefs on the team's camping and training schedules.