Gomora United travel early for Hungry Lions opener in Motsepe Foundation Championship

Patrick Phungwayo and Gomora United have arrived in Upington ahead of their Motsepe Foundation Championship opener against Hungry Lions this weekend, underlining the club’s determination to begin the new campaign strongly.

The club endured a difficult season last term, finishing 13th, and faces a demanding opening assignment against a Hungry Lions team that narrowly missed out on a place in the playoffs.

Gomora’s decision to travel early for the away fixture reflects their focus on improving their fortunes this season. The team have also used the pre-season period to strengthen their squad and have made changes to their coaching structure.

Phungwayo, who was previously part of the coaching staff as an assistant, has been promoted to head coach following the departure of Ashley Makhanya. Makhanya has left Gomora United to join Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership, where he will work as an assistant to Pitso Dladla.

The new role represents a significant opportunity for Phungwayo, who will now lead the side into the new season and be given the chance to establish himself as a head coach.

Gomora have added further experience to their technical team by appointing Vincent Rammoni as an assistant coach. Rammoni previously coached Dondol Stars and will work alongside Thabo Mashego, who also remains in an assistant coaching role.

The Motsepe Foundation Championship begins this weekend, with Gomora’s trip to Upington providing an immediate test of the team’s progress under Phungwayo. Hungry Lions will be motivated to start well after coming close to reaching last season’s playoffs, while Gomora will be looking to move on from their 13th-place finish.

Several of the club’s new signings have travelled with the squad and could make their Gomora United debuts in the opening match. Kagiso Selemela, Phalane Lantshene, Keletso Sifama and Thabo Mosadi are all included in the travelling group.

Their involvement would give Phungwayo the opportunity to introduce some of the club’s new recruits immediately, although it remains to be seen whether all four will be selected to play.

Gomora have also strengthened their goalkeeping options with the arrival of Mondli Mpoto. The former national under-20 goalkeeper joined the club after leaving Baroka FC, who were relegated to the ABC Motsepe League.

With a new head coach, additions to the playing squad and a reshaped technical team, Gomora will begin their campaign aiming to produce a much-improved performance. Their early arrival in Upington offers the first indication of the level of preparation they hope will help them negotiate a challenging opening fixture against Hungry Lions.