Downs fire coach

Sundowns termed the separation as 'a gentleman’s agreement ' that was reached by both parties, this came as a result of a mix of poor showings the club produced ever since the former French national team coach took over.

In a statement issued on the website the president of the Pretoria based side, Patrice Motsepe said,” I want to thank Henri Michel for the commitment and loyalty he showed to Sundowns whilst employed as its head coach. Henri Michel made a huge contribution to the standard and quality of football at Sundowns and in South Africa. We wish him all of the very best in his future endeavours and he will continue to be part of the Sundowns family.”

Sundowns further announced that Ted Dumitru has been appointed as caretaker coach until the end of the season, and will be assisted by the club's senior players Brian Baloyi and Michael Manzini as player/assistant coaches.

Motsepe emphasised in the statement that at the end of the season Ted Dumitru will go back to continue with the good work that he has been doing at the youth academy.

Meanwhile, Mahlatse Mphahlele, head of communications at Sundowns said that further announcements in this regard will be made in due course.