Hope FC appoint former player Clayton Daniels ahead of Motsepe Foundation Championship debut

Hope FC have appointed former player Clayton Daniels as their new head coach ahead of the club’s Motsepe Foundation Championship debut on Saturday afternoon.

The Cape Town side confirmed Daniels’ arrival as they prepare to begin the next chapter of their history following promotion last season.

Daniels succeeds Dylan Dean, who has parted ways with Hope FC despite guiding the club to promotion in the previous campaign. The club did not provide further details about the circumstances surrounding Dean’s departure.

Hope FC said the appointment reflected their desire to give young South African coaches the chance to take charge and develop in senior football.

“We are proud to welcome Clayton Daniels as the new Head Coach of Hope FC.

“As a club, we believe in giving young South African coaches the opportunity to lead, grow and make their mark. We believe Coach Daniels has the qualities, experience and ability to steer the ship as we begin this next chapter.

“We wish him nothing but success on this journey. The entire club is behind him and ready to support him every step of the way.

“One of our own, Coach Daniels.”

The club’s statement described Daniels as one of its own, underlining his previous connection with Hope FC as a player.

His first competitive assignment will come on Saturday afternoon, when Hope FC make their debut in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. The appointment therefore gives Daniels the immediate task of leading the side into a new division after the promotion achieved under Dean.

The club has also presented its kit for the 2026-27 season. Images of Hope FC’s new strip are available in the gallery accompanying the announcement.

The coaching change and kit launch come as the Cape Town club prepare for their first campaign in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. Hope FC’s promotion last season has created a fresh starting point for Daniels, who now returns to the club in a leadership role.

Hope FC said the entire organisation would support the new head coach as he begins his tenure. It also expressed its hope that Daniels would enjoy success while helping the club move forward in the next stage of its development.