Under fire: Which PSL coaches could be next?

The 2023/24 Premier Soccer League (PSL) season has turned into a ruthless proving ground for coaches. The wave of dismissals shows no signs of abating, with the future hanging in the balance for several under-fire managers.

Coaches Feeling the PSL Heat

Shaun Bartlett, Molefi Ntseki, Brandon Truter, Kaitano Tembo, and Steve Komphela all faced the axe. Now, the focus shifts to coaches battling to keep their jobs:

• Mabhuti Khenyeza (Golden Arrows): Arrows’ struggles have raised questions about Khenyeza’s future. With Komphela, a successful former Arrows manager, now available, could a reunion be on the cards?
• Vusumuzi Vilakazi (Richards Bay): Vilakazi desperately needs to inspire a turnaround to keep his interim position at Richards Bay. The threat of experienced PSL coaches like Luc Eymael and Callisto Pasuwa being brought in looms large.
• Kwanele Kopo & Thabo September (Chippa United): This coaching duo got off to a shaky start after a draw against 10-man Cape Town City. Their inexperience combined with their famously trigger-happy chairman Siviwe ‘Chippa’ Mpengesi makes their PSL tenure uncertain.

Why Are Managers Getting Sacked?

The factors driving this managerial exodus are complex. PSL fans are notoriously demanding, especially supporters of the league’s biggest clubs. Disappointing league performances and cup failures often lead to coaches losing their jobs, as seen in the case of Molefi Ntseki at Kaizer Chiefs.

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Sometimes off-field issues play a major role. Steve Komphela’s departure from Moroka Swallows was as much about the club’s internal chaos, including a player strike, as it was about results.

The PSL’s Quest for Winners

PSL clubs crave both instant results and long-term stability. When performances falter and fan discontent rises, the pressure on managers becomes unbearable. With several teams facing relegation battles and others hungry for trophies, the managerial carousel in South Africa’s top league is likely to keep spinning.

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