Coaches’ revolving door spits out early casualties
Mqondisi Dube | Monday November 2, 2026 06:00
Four coaches have fallen by the wayside since the season began in late August, with Mochudi Centre Chiefs, Nico United, Orapa United, and Tonota FC leading the way.
The first to go was Chiefs’ Miguel Corral Torreira, who appeared to be on steady ground, but left the rebuilding Magosi, a team that had been active in the transfer market.
Despite their pre-season tag as title favourites, Chiefs are struggling to reassert their dominance after raiding the market for top talent. The likes of Mpho Kgaswane, formerly with Gaborone United, and ex-Township Rollers captain Mosha Gaolaolwe joined to bolster a side that appeared destined to challenge for the title.
But Magosi have thus far flattered to deceive, with new coach Reneilwe Letsholonyane struggling to spark a revival. Nico United, with two wins in seven games, have already made a change in the dugout, with Monametsi ‘Sunday’ Kelebale replacing Vincent Kgaswane. However, fortunes have not changed, as Kelebale suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of GU on Friday before a 1-0 reversal against Police XI on Wednesday.
Orapa United parted ways with coach Elias Chinyemba, and the team has since recorded a mixed bag of results. Chinyemba has moved to Matebele, where he engineered a memorable 4-2 victory over Rollers on his first day in charge.
Whilst other separations appeared mutual, there was bad blood when national team interim coach Thaloba ‘Machine’ Nthaga left FNB Premiership newcomers Tonota FC.
What was seen as a match made in heaven ended in acrimony when Nthaga, fresh from signing a three-year deal, left in a huff. The club issued a statement indicating that the coach had mutually agreed to resign, but Nthaga was quick to refute management’s position. The issue remains unresolved.
At Orange FA Cup champions Jwaneng Galaxy, the situation is less certain, with Belgian coach Ivan Minnaert recently placed on suspension. Morupule Wanderers recently came out to defend coach Pontsho ‘Piro’ Moloi’s position as speculation swirled over his future. Wanderers are languishing at the bottom of the league table and were knocked out of the lucrative African Hero Top 8 competition by Mochudi Centre Chiefs last week. But the club has stood by its coach as Moloi looks to work his magic with the Palapye side.
Alarm bells are also ringing at army side BDF XI, where former Zebras coach Mogomotsi ‘Teenage’ Mpote is in charge. However, BDF XI are not known to be trigger-happy and are expected to persevere with the coach. Reuben Njavera at Prisons XI is another whose future has been in the spotlight, although the Zambian coach has been credited with building a competitive side, with authorities at the Warders seemingly ready to give him breathing room.