Poor performances and results in the opening quarter of the 2026/2027 season have set off the seasonal local football custom of dismissing coaches. Siwelele FC and Marumo Gallants are the recent club to fire their respective coaches in Lehlohonolo Seema and Phuti Mohafe, following hot on the heels of Sekhukhune United who initiated the coaching exodus by firing Cedric Kaze.
Kaze was shown an early exit by Sekhukhune United after recording four defeats and three wins in seven matches. In an official statement, the club confirmed the technical changes while stressing the need for internal solidity.
This week Siwelele became the latest team to depose their manager, handing Lehlohonolo Seema and his assistant their pink slips following a 3-2 defeat to Kaizer Chiefs last Sunday in Dobsonville.
Siwelele chairman, Calvin LeJohn, stressed that supporters deserve better outcomes after a rocky start to the campaign.
“This has been a challenging period for the club, and our supporters deserve better than what they have seen so far this season,” he said.
Gallants also relieved Mohafe and his assistant of their duties after a winless start yielded just two points from five matches.
Bahlabane Ba Ntwa, as they are affectionately known, confirmed the departures through an official media release while declining further commentary.
“The Club will not be commenting further on the circumstances surrounding the decision or engaging on the merits of the matter,” the statement read.
Early managerial changes are not new, with Sekhukhune and Gallants previously demonstrating a willingness to make swift technical adjustments. Babina Noko dismissed Peter Hyballa during the 2024/2025 pre-season, while Gallants parted ways with Dylan Kerr around the same period.
This pattern reflects the rising pressure placed on coaches by club management, supporters, and key stakeholders. Attention now turns to how the affected clubs rebuild, as remaining Premiership managers remain fully aware that consistent results are essential for job security.
