Bruce Grobbelaar has left his post as coach of South African Premier Soccer League club SuperSport United after threatening legal action over earlier reports of his sacking.

Imtiaz Patel, chief executive officer of SuperSport, confirmed Grobbelaar's departure, saying: "It's in the interests of both parties to part ways, and the relationship has come to an amicable conclusion."

Responding to weekend reports, the former Liverpool and Southampton goalkeeper had told a weekly TV football programme on Monday that he was still head coach of the Pretoria-based club.

He said: "I will remain in that position until otherwise informed. And it is not negotiable at this stage."

Patel confirmed Grobbelaar had not been fired at that stage, but the Zimbabwean's departure was confirmed after a midweek meeting with the club.

Poor record

"There are a whole host of reasons, some from our side and some from his side. The important thing is that we have agreed to part on amicable terms," said Patel.

"He did a wonderful job for us. Our team is taken very seriously as one of the top-performing teams in the country now, and we thank him for the contribution he has made."

The impetus for the move was SuperSport's poor record this season, as they slipped to 11th in the 18-team Premier Soccer League.

Recent setbacks included a 4-0 home thrashing in the league against Manning Rangers and a 5-1 defeat against Jomo Cosmos in the League Cup.

Grobbelaar joined SuperSport, backed financially by a satellite TV company, two years ago and saved the side from relegation.