The Chiefs coach was honoured on Thursday morning after winning the award for PSL Coach of the month for December 2005. The coach not one to be left without words was stunned and caught well and truly off side.

Ernst arrived at the Chiefs Village on Thursday morning thinking that he was attending a post match press conference and having a meeting with the chairman - instead it turned out to be a ceremony awarding him for taking Chiefs through December unbeaten.

The Amakhosi played five games in December starting off and ending the month with 2-2 draws against Ajax Cape Town and Black Leopards both games were played away from home. In between Chiefs beat Orlando Pirates for the second time this season and also gained victory over Golden Arrows, the Amakhosi's best showing in the final month of last year was an emphatic 5-2 victory over Free State Stars.

Team manager Bobby Motaung was informed earlier in the week that the coach would be winning the award but kept his cards close to his chest. “We wanted to catch him out and surprise him and I think he was really taken aback because he did not expect to receive this award”, said Bobby.

The coach who for his troubles won R 2500 from the sponsors as well as a years long supply of product from them, was elated at the end of the prize giving ceremony saying

“this award is not just mine but the entire team and technical team including non playing members of staff such as our club chairman, the brand and communication division, as well as the craziest guy around, our web master” said Ernst.

Having once gained the scalp of Sundowns with a narrow but important victory, the Chiefs coach will turn his attention to Dynamos for this Saturday's PSL clash as well as next Wednesday’s return match with Sundowns. The coach is well aware that in order to win trophies and awards - hard work is needed and in this line commented “victory against Sundowns was the culmination of a lot of hard work and preparation - if you give all you have than you will get the just reward”.

With all the critics well and truly silenced, Chiefs will be hoping that in a week's time, they will be at the top of the PSL. With Sundowns lead cut back to two points, victory over Dynamos and the Brazilians will see Chiefs go top.

Past Chiefs coaches to win the PSL coach of the month award since the awards were incepted in 1999 – 2000 include Muhsin Ertugral and Ted Dumitru, Ernst’s award now means that every Chiefs coach has won the award since they were first introduced.