Five coaches sacked as early-season pressure mounts in Betway Premiership

The 2026/27 Betway Premiership has already seen five head coaches lose their jobs, despite the season being only a handful of matches old.

Sekhukhune United, Siwelele FC, Richards Bay, Marumo Gallants and Durban City have all changed coaches, highlighting growing concerns over patience and stability in South African football. Several of those dismissed had only been appointed during the off-season.

Cedric Kaze was the first major casualty after Sekhukhune United ended his brief spell on 1 September. He had joined Babina Noko after his coaching arrangement with Kaizer Chiefs was not renewed and recorded three wins and four defeats in seven competitive matches.

Papi Zothwane took over as interim head coach, assisted by Paulus Masehe and the club’s technical staff.

Siwelele FC parted company with Lehlohonolo Seema on 7 September after a difficult beginning to the campaign. Assistant coach Willem Jackson was also removed from first-team duties, with Godfrey Mosoetsa appointed caretaker manager.

Siwelele had yet to win in the league at that stage, recording three defeats and two draws.

Richards Bay also made an early change after Ronnie Gabriel resigned following a winless start. Bulgarian coach Dimitar Pantev was brought in to try to halt the club’s poor run.

At Marumo Gallants, Phuti Mohafe’s time in charge ended in September. Mohafe had joined during the off-season after leaving Polokwane City but was dismissed after a winless opening to the league campaign. Ronnie Kanalelo was appointed head coach for the remainder of the season.

Durban City completed the initial group of five dismissals when Khalil Ben Youssef was sacked in late September, only a few months after arriving from Kaizer Chiefs in June. Eric Tinkler was named his successor on 8 October after leaving Ghanaian club Asante Kotoko.

The former Bafana Bafana midfielder returned to the PSL with the task of keeping Durban City competitive after their strong performance in the previous campaign.

Changes before and during the season

There were also several pre-season coaching changes. Kaizer Chiefs appointed Fernando Da Cruz after moving on from co-coaches Kaze and Ben Youssef, while Golden Arrows brought in Pitso Dladla. Polokwane City appointed Willy Moloto after Mohafe left for Marumo Gallants.

Those moves were made before the opening fixtures rather than in response to early results.

Orlando Pirates retained Abdeslam Ouaddou, while Mamelodi Sundowns continued under Miguel Cardoso. Stellenbosch remained with Gavin Hunt, who had been appointed before the season.

TS Galaxy have also attracted attention, although reports of a planned technical restructure should not be treated as confirmation of a dismissal. Bernard Parker’s position became uncertain after reports suggested the club wanted a more experienced head coach and was considering moving him into an assistant role. The former Bafana Bafana striker was absent from Galaxy’s most recent match, with the Siya crew reporting he could leave the club.

Several teams have changed assistant coaches and other technical staff, adding to the wider turnover.

The coming weeks will show whether the changes produce improved results. For coaches appointed in the off-season, the rapid rise in pressure leaves little time to establish methods, tactics and squad preferences before points are dropped.

The early upheaval has underlined the precarious nature of coaching in the Betway Premiership, with questions now extending beyond title and relegation battles to which managers will be allowed time to complete their projects.