Asante Kotoko head coach Ernst Middendorp has emerged as the front-runner for the vacant job at South African side Orlando Pirates.

Gordon Igesund decided to part company with the Pirates when he reportedly feared that his family were at risk following threats by a group of unknown people.

This has compelled The Pirates management to look at Asante Kotoko's German coach after his impressive technical direction showed during Kotoko's participation in the Vodacom Challenge Cup, in which they finished runners-up.