Maritzburg United on Thursday announced the appointment of Ernst Middendorp as head coach on a three-year deal with the German tactician returning for his fourth spell in charge of the club.
"We extend a warm welcome home to Ernst and we look forward to renewing what has always been an amicable relationship," club chairperson Farook Kadodia said.
"At this point, after a tough start to the season, some stability is crucial. With Ernst knowing the club inside out, understanding the culture of the team, we are confident that he's the best man for the job and will be able to hit the ground running.
"We believe his temperament, his intricate knowledge of our club, and his vast experience over many years in the Premier Soccer League, is what the team needs right now.
"We trust that together with Ernst, everyone at the club will work hard and pull together in the same direction to get this season back on track."
Middendorp has rich history with the club which began with his first spell in charge in November 2009.
The 62-year-old returned for a second stint from January 2012 to October 2013 and then a third from December 2015 until November 2016.
His last time in charge proved memorable as Middendorp guided the team to escape relegation on the final day of the 2015/16 PSL campaign.
Maritzburg United, who sit rock bottom in the league standings, with four defeats from their opening four league matches next face SuperSport United in a league clash on Friday night.
Kick-off is at 20:00.
- Compiled by Baden Gillion