Former Kaizer Chiefs' coach Ernst Middendorp has not taken up his option to renew his contract as head coach for Chinese top flight club Changchun Yatai FC and is expected to leave immediately.

The German mentor had an option to sign for a further year, but reports from Beijing indicate that he is likely to head back to his homeland within the next few days.

It appears that Middendorp's straight coaching methods and clear concepts were difficult to institute in China, although he lifted the team from 11th to 6th position in the Chinese Super League since taking over in July.

The German-born coach is known as a brilliant motivator and saved Bundesliga side Arminia Bielefeld from relegation last season. He coached Kaizer Chiefs from 2005 - 2007, winning the Absa Cup and SAA Supa8 Cup final.