Venda FC appoint Kaitano Tembo after Clinton Larsen departure

Venda FC have appointed Kaitano Tembo as their new head coach after ending Clinton Larsen’s tenure, with the club hoping the change can revive their season.

Larsen managed 35 league matches after taking charge before the start of last season. During that period, the Limpopo side won nine games, drew 10 and suffered 16 defeats before the club decided to part company with him.

Venda’s poor run has continued into the current campaign. They are bottom of the standings after five matches, having drawn once and then lost four games in succession.

The international break gives Tembo two weeks to work with his squad before the Motsepe Foundation Championship resumes on October 10. His first match will be against Midlands Wanderers at Mpumalanga Stadium in Hammarsdale, KZN.

One of the immediate challenges facing Tembo is improving Venda’s attacking output. The club scored 24 goals in 30 matches last season and have managed only three goals in their opening five games of the current campaign.

The new coach will therefore have time during the break to focus on the team’s finishing as he attempts to address a problem that has contributed to their difficult start.

Venda finished ninth under Larsen last season but are aiming to mount a stronger challenge for promotion this time. The decision to make a coaching change early in the campaign reflects the club’s desire to alter their fortunes quickly.