AmaTuks axe 11 players as ex-Bafana keeper Veli Mothwa among major clear-out casualties

AmaTuks have released 11 players in a sweeping squad overhaul that includes former South Africa international goalkeeper Veli Mothwa, as the Motsepe Foundation Championship side prepares for a major rebuild on and off the pitch.

The University of Pretoria club, who ended last season in 11th place in South Africa’s second tier, has also restructured its technical team, replacing head coach Kwanele Kopo and parting ways with two key backroom staff members.

The clear-out marks one of the most dramatic resets in the division ahead of the new campaign, with several high-profile names shown the door in the capital.

Former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper let go

Mothwa, 35, joined AmaTuks after leaving AmaZulu at the end of June 2025, having been a free agent following his exit from the Durban-based side.

Despite his experience and status as a former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper, he struggled to establish himself as first choice at the University of Pretoria, making only eight appearances under then-coach Kopo.

His short spell has now come to an end, with the club confirming that he is among the 11 players released on Wednesday. Fellow seasoned campaigner Prince Nxumalo is another notable name heading out of the team.

The decision to release Mothwa underlines the scale of AmaTuks’ rebuild, with the club clearly opting to move away from some of its most experienced figures in a bid to reshape the squad.

Coaching shake-up after disappointing finish

The on-field changes follow significant movement in the technical area after a disappointing league campaign.

Kopo has been replaced by former Mamelodi Sundowns set-piece specialist coach Steve Komphela’s former colleague, widely referred to as “Loftman” in local reports, who has now joined the Premier Soccer League (PSL) club in a bid to improve results and playing style.

AmaTuks finished only 11th last season in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, far from the promotion places, prompting the hierarchy to pursue what has been described as a “major revamp”.

As part of this shake-up, assistant coach Machete Moloto and goalkeeper coach Thomas Nare left their roles, with their departures confirmed on Monday.

At the same time, it has been reported that former Chippa United defender Msekeli Mvalo has been drafted into the technical team, signalling a desire to bring in fresh ideas and a new defensive structure.

Major rebuild signals new direction

The combined exit of 11 players and multiple coaches underlines the scale of change at AmaTuks as the club seeks to reposition itself as a promotion contender rather than a mid-table outfit.

The timing of the announcements – staff changes at the start of the week followed by a mass player release just two days later – suggests a coordinated plan to reset both the dressing room and the technical bench before pre-season preparations intensify.

With several experienced professionals now off the books, the focus is expected to shift towards new signings and possibly younger talent as AmaTuks aim to climb the Motsepe Foundation Championship table in the coming campaign.

No immediate replacements for the departed players have yet been announced, but further transfer activity is anticipated as the club looks to back its new coach with a squad shaped to his philosophy.