New Motsepe Foundation Championship season brings coaching change and club revamps

The Motsepe Foundation Championship begins today with eight clubs under new coaches, two newcomers joining the competition and several teams reshaping their squads and home arrangements ahead of the new campaign.

As is customary, the second-tier season starts later than the Betway Premiership, giving clubs additional time to prepare and complete their recruitment.

Cape Town City have appointed Andries Ulderink to replace Jan Vreman. Vreman was unable to guide the Citizens back to the top flight last season.

The Bees have turned to experienced coach Duncan Lechesa after Joel Masutha’s departure. Masutha has since joined Kruger United as an assistant coach, following the club’s promotion to the Betway Premiership.

Gomora United have promoted Patrick Phungwayo to the coaching role after Ashley Makhanya left to become an assistant to Pitso Dladla at Golden Arrows.

Highbury FC will be led by Vusumuzi Vilakazi after parting company with Kabelo Sibiya. Sibiya has taken charge of Magesi FC following their relegation to the second tier.

Hope FC have appointed former SuperSport United defender Clayton Daniels after deciding to end Dylan Deane’s tenure.

Michael Loftman is the new coach of University of Pretoria, while Thulani Nkosi has succeeded Musa Nyatama at Upington City.

New clubs and returning sides

North West University (NWU) and Hope FC are the new teams in the league this season, and both begin their campaigns at home.

NWU will host Upington City in Potchefstroom. The university’s matches have been moved there because renovations are taking place at Mahikeng Campus Stadium, where the club played its ABC Motsepe League fixtures.

Hope FC will welcome University of Pretoria to Athloe Stadium.

Orbit College and Magesi FC return to the Motsepe Foundation Championship after being relegated from the Betway Premiership.

Casric Stars have also entered the new season with a different identity. The club are now known as Real Native FC as part of a rebrand.

They finished fourth in the standings last season and are determined to secure promotion to the top flight. However, the club will need more than a change of name to achieve that ambition.

Real Native FC have announced 16 new signings and will now be expected to turn that investment into results on the pitch.

Leicesterford change home venue

Leicesterford City have altered their home arrangements after purchasing the status of JDR Stars before the beginning of last season.

The club mainly used Dobsonville Stadium for its home fixtures during that campaign. This season, most of Leicesterford City’s home matches will be played at Mafori Mphahlele Stadium, the home ground of Baroka FC.

Lucas Moripe Stadium will serve as an alternative venue.

Earlier finish planned

The Championship season is scheduled to conclude earlier than the previous campaign.

Last season’s final matches were played on 17 May, while the closing fixtures for the new campaign are scheduled for 9 May.