Gomora United appoint Phungwayo and Mashego after Makhanya exit

Gomora United have appointed former Orlando Pirates defender Patrick Phungwayo and ex-Maritzburg United player Tshegofatso Mashego to lead the club after the departure of coach Ashley Makhanya.

The pair have taken charge of the Motsepe Foundation Championship side as they prepare for their second successive season in South Africa’s second tier. Their appointment means Gomora have moved quickly to provide continuity following Makhanya’s exit.

A source within the club confirmed that Phungwayo and Mashego will share responsibility for the team, while also stressing that both men are already familiar with Gomora’s operations.

> “Phungwayo and Mashego are now in charge at Gomora United. There are no major changes as both have been part of the team since last season,” the source said.

The new coaching partnership is expected to offer a smooth transition because the two coaches were involved with the club during its maiden Motsepe Foundation Championship campaign. Gomora secured promotion from the ABC Motsepe League last year and are now preparing for their second consecutive season at that level.

Makhanya’s departure follows his appearance on the bench for Golden Arrows last Sunday. The former Bidvest Wits defender sat alongside Simo Dladla as the KwaZulu-Natal side secured a 1-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in an MTN8 quarter-final at the FNB Stadium.

Makhanya and Dladla were involved in directing Abafana Besithende during the match, and Makhanya now appears to have turned his attention towards a new role with the club. His move has left Gomora planning for the new campaign without the coach who had been associated with their recent progress.

The changes at Gomora extend beyond the technical team. The club are also reported to have sold 50% of their shares to Baduzah Celtis, with a change of name expected in the near future.

That proposed ownership move could bring a new identity to the club as it begins another campaign in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. Gomora’s promotion from the ABC Motsepe League last year marked an important step in their development, and the club will now attempt to build on that achievement under Phungwayo and Mashego.

The combination of new part-owners, a new coaching arrangement and a possible rebrand places Gomora United at the beginning of a significant period of change. For now, however, the club’s immediate focus is on preparing for the new season with two familiar figures in charge. Whether the team continues as Gomora United or adopts a different name, its ambition remains centred on competing strongly in the second tier.