Gomora United appoint Phungwayo and Mashego after Makhanya exit

Gomora United have appointed former Orlando Pirates defender Patrick Phungwayo and ex-Maritzburg United player Tshegofatso Mashego to lead the club after Ashley Makhanya’s departure.

The pair have taken charge of coaching responsibilities as Gomora prepare for their second season in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, following the club’s promotion from the ABC Motsepe League last year.

Makhanya, a former Bidvest Wits defender, appears to have moved towards a new role with Golden Arrows after being seen on the bench during their 1-0 MTN8 quarter-final win over Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium last Sunday.

He sat alongside Simo Dladla as Golden Arrows secured victory over Kaizer Chiefs, leaving Gomora to make plans for the new campaign without their previous coach.

Information gathered by KickOff indicates that Phungwayo and Mashego were selected as the club’s new coaching partnership. Both were already involved with Gomora last season, a factor which is expected to help ensure a smooth change in leadership.

A source within the club confirmed that the two men are now in charge.

“Phungwayo and Mashego are now in charge at Gomora United. There are no major changes as both have been part of the team since last season,” the source said.

Their existing knowledge of the club’s structure and squad is expected to provide continuity as Gomora attempt to improve on their maiden campaign in South Africa’s second tier.

The coaching change comes at a significant point in the club’s development, with Gomora also facing a change in ownership and a possible rebrand.

The club are reported to have sold a 50% stake to Baduzah Celtis. A change to the club’s name is expected in the near future, although no new identity has yet been confirmed.

Gomora will therefore begin their second consecutive Motsepe Foundation Championship season with new part-owners and a new coaching arrangement. The team’s promotion from the ABC Motsepe League last year secured their place in the second tier, and the club are now preparing to continue that progress under Phungwayo and Mashego.

The appointment of the former Orlando Pirates defender and the ex-Maritzburg United player means Gomora have opted for an internal transition rather than a complete change to their football structure.

Makhanya’s apparent switch of focus to Golden Arrows has left the club reshaping its plans, while the reported agreement with Baduzah Celtis adds further uncertainty over Gomora’s future identity.

For now, the club are set to move into the new season under Phungwayo and Mashego, with their familiarity with Gomora providing the main link between the previous campaign and the next phase of the club’s development.