Cape Town Spurs have been prompt in coming out to explain the absence of Ernst Middendorp from the bench as the side drew with Orbit College at home on Friday.
Assistant coach Benson Mhlongo took charge of barking instructions from the touchline as Spurs failed to register a win to give breathing space between themselves and the bottom two duo of Venda FC and Leruma United.
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As a result, they are still in 14th spot on the standings, just one point above the relegation zone.
With recent speculation about Middendorp's future in the face of the poor results, the German's absence raised a few eyebrows.
However, the Urban Warriors are continuing with life under the former Kaizer Chiefs mentor as head coach with five matches remaining to save their status.
"The coach was suspended for a time due to accumulating too many yellow cards, but he is back with the team now," explains CEO Alexi Efstathiou, speaking to KickOff.com.
He remains confident that the team will avoid relegation, stating, "We are working with a plan, and we must stick to it."
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Middendorp will be eligible to return to the bench in the next game against Pretoria Callies at Athlone Stadium next Tuesday.
