1. Ted Dumitru was brought to South Africa by the owner of Kaizer Chiefs, Kaizer Motaung, in 1985, Ted Dumitru went on to become the most successful coach in South African professional football.
16 Facts About Ted Dumitru
1. 2.
Ted Dumitru coached the Romania U23 Olympic team between 1967 and 1968.
3.
In 1971, Dumitru moved to the United States and became head coach of the Texas Longhorns men's soccer team at the University of Texas, before joining Rochester Lancers in the North American Soccer League in 1974.
4.
Ted Dumitru coached that side through the 1975 season and went on to coach the New York Apollo in the old American Soccer League.
5.
In 1980, Dumitru moved to Africa and was appointed coach of the Zambia national team.
6.
Ted Dumitru helped Chipolopolo qualify for the 1982 Africa Cup of Nations, but was unable to coach them during the tournament itself due to his US passport.
7.
Ted Dumitru left Zambia and signed a contract with the African Football Confederation, in which he was sent to Swaziland, then in Namibia, to help develop football in those countries.
8.
In 1985, Ted Dumitru joined South African side Kaizer Chiefs and won eight trophies with them during his three-year tenure.
9.
Ted Dumitru was later responsible for the Esselen Park School of Excellence that has produced players such as Steven Pienaar and Daine Klate.
10.
Ted Dumitru managed among others, Orlando Pirates and Manning Rangers with mixed success.
11.
Ted Dumitru was appointed manager of the Namibia national team in November 2000 replacing Lucky Richter, but resigned a few months later after an argument with former Chiefs midfielder, Robert Nauseb.
12.
Ted Dumitru rejoined Mamelodi Sundowns and helped his side reach their first and only African Champions League Final in 2001, which they lost to record holders Al Ahly.
13.
In 2009, Ted Dumitru got involved with the Mamelodi Sundowns Youth Academy.
14.
Ted Dumitru played a key role in setting up the structures, giving the organisation direction and leadership as well as rolling out workshops around the country.
15.
Ted Dumitru was involved up until his day of passing.
16.
Ted Dumitru died on 26 May 2016, at the age of 76, after suffering a heart attack in a Johannesburg mall.