Stoichkov set to leave Sundowns

Bulgarian legend Hristo Stoitchkov will not continue his journey as coach of Mamelodi Sundowns after the 2009/10 Premier Soccer league (PSL) season has been completed.

In a statement posted on the official Sundowns website, it was revealed that Stoichkov as well as assistant coach Antonio Lopez Habas and the physical trainer Miguel Martinez Gonzalez were offered 3 year extension in January but they have declined the offer.

“The new contract was to be subject to an automatic annual renewal upon the fulfilment of certain conditions like, winning the ABSA Premiership and other behavioural requirements like building good relations with the players, the PSL, the media and other stakeholders in football,” said the statement.

“On Tuesday, 16 March 2010, after a meeting between the players and the technical staff, Hristo Stoitchkov informed Mamelodi Sundowns that he, Antonio and Miguel had decided not to continue with Sundowns when their contract ends in June 2010.”

But speculation is rife that Stoichkov might not even stay and guide Sundowns in the Telkom knockout and Nedbank Cup. This could be so that he can avoid a Disciplinary Hearing with the PSL for charges of misconduct relating to abusive and insulting language.