REVEALED: Why top overseas coach would love to work in South Africa

Over the past month no less than four coaches have been shown the door by their respective PSL clubs in South Africa, with Stuart Baxter recently becoming the most high-profile coach to be fired.

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Earlier this week, Baroka club chairman Khurishi Mphahlele also confirmed that head coach Kgoloko Thobejane had been demoted to the side’s DStv Diski Challenge side.

Despite the somewhat limited job security in the PSL, Petro de Luanda coach Alexander Santos recently revealed why he would be open to working in South Africa some day in the future.

“I’ve never been here and the first impression is unbelievable because I know South Africa of course because I travel a lot of countries,” he commented.

“I know South Africa is an amazing country but I didn’t see it with my eyes and now I see your organisation, your type of work here, your facilities everywhere… 

“This country has everything to be one of the strongest in Africa. But for me, at the moment I’m happy to work in Petro. And of course, I know that the future of every coach is not guaranteed…. But I would like to work in South Africa (one day), I want to work in any country where the people believe in my work.”

Santos would undoubtedly be welcomed in South Africa, especially with so many job openings currently available, but the fact remains that he has just signed a new contract with Petro de Luanda.

Below, we recap the dramatic few weeks that have played out on the PSL football scene in South Africa

The recent firings first began at the end of March when Benni McCarthy was unceremoniously axed by AmaZulu, effective immediately.

The shock news about McCarthy’s axing was followed closely by the announcement last Tuesday that SuperSport United and long-serving coach Kaitano Tembo had reached a mutual agreement to part ways, with assistant Andre Arendse taking over.

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Tembo had served the club for 23 years, first as a player in 1999 before moving into a coaching role, serving as an assistant to Gavin Hunt, Stuart Baxter and Eric Tinkler and then taking over as Head Coach in 2018. During his time as coach, Tembo reached two MTN8 Cup Finals, while winning his maiden trophy against Highlands Park in 2019.

Less than 48 hours later, Golden Arrows then officially confirmed that the club had parted ways with coach Lehlohonolo Seema on Wednesday. The 41-year-old, who previously helped Chippa United avoid relegation via the Premier Soccer League (PSL) promotion/playoffs, had succeeded Mandla Ncikazi as coach of the Durban-based club.

In the latest coach axings to take place, Baxter was shown the door, bringing an unceremonious end to his second stint at Chiefs, while Thobejane has since been demoted by Baroka.

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