AmaZulu appoint former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Thabang Stemmer to strengthen coaching staff

AmaZulu FC have appointed former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Thabang Stemmer as their new goalkeeper coach, adding a wealth of playing and coaching experience to their youth development structure.

Stemmer will work with AmaZulu’s DStv Diski Challenge team, which is managed by head coach Kurt Lentjies and assistant coach Thabo Mngomeni. His arrival is intended to strengthen the club’s goalkeeping department and support the development of young players in KwaZulu-Natal.

A source told KickOff that the DDC technical team would remain unchanged apart from Stemmer’s appointment.

> “The DDC guys will start training again next week, and there are no changes there as far as the technical team is concerned,” a source told KickOff.

> “The new person there will be the new goalkeeper coach, Thabang Stemmer.”

Stemmer brings extensive experience from both his playing career and his work after retirement. The 47-year-old won three league titles during his time as a professional footballer, claiming two with Orlando Pirates and another with SuperSport United.

He also earned international recognition with South Africa. Stemmer’s only senior appearance for Bafana Bafana came against Jamaica at the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup, while he had previously represented the country at Under-20 level.

His club career included spells with several of South Africa’s leading teams. Alongside Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United, he played for Black Leopards and Bloemfontein Celtic.

Since ending his playing career, Stemmer has built a reputation as a qualified goalkeeper coach, youth development mentor and football pundit. His appointment at AmaZulu gives him another opportunity to work with emerging players and help prepare them for senior football.

AmaZulu, known as Usuthu, will hope Stemmer’s experience can improve the development of their young goalkeepers as the club continues to compete in the DStv Diski Challenge. His role will involve working closely with the existing technical staff under Lentjies and Mngomeni.

The appointment also represents the latest stage of Stemmer’s transition from professional goalkeeper to coach and mentor. Having played at a number of established South African clubs and represented his country, he is expected to provide both technical guidance and the benefit of his experience to AmaZulu’s next generation of shot-stoppers.

The DDC squad are due to resume training next week, with Stemmer the only new addition to the technical team.