Polokwane City boss Willy Machete Moloto takes cautious route back after hospital stay

Polokwane City head coach Willy Machete Moloto is making a gradual return to full duties after health problems resulted in him spending a week in hospital.

Moloto, who took charge of the Limpopo club at the start of the season after replacing Phuti Mohafe, has returned to the training ground following his discharge from hospital a fortnight ago.

However, the PSL rookie head coach is not yet taking an active role in training sessions as he continues his recovery. Instead, he has been watching from a distance while assistant Sheppard Sentane leads the work on the pitch alongside technical team members Mpho Ndlovu and Tsosholosho Manamela.

Moloto first became unwell before Polokwane City’s final match before the FIFA break, against AmaZulu. Although he was initially involved, his condition deteriorated and he was forced to abandon his duties on the bench during the defeat.

He was subsequently admitted to a medical facility, where he remained for a week.

After leaving hospital, Moloto spent several days recovering at home before returning to training ahead of the club’s friendly against Simba. His current involvement, though, has been limited to observing sessions rather than taking charge of them.

The timing of his absence comes during a difficult start to his tenure. Polokwane City have won only one of their eight matches under Moloto so far, leading to concerns about pressure on the coach if results do not improve.

The club will not return to competitive action until 18 October, when they travel to Bloemfontein to face Siwelele. That fixture will provide Moloto with more time to complete his recovery before Polokwane City resume their season.