TS Galaxy close in on Admir Adzen as next head coach

TS Galaxy are nearing an agreement with Bosnian coach Admir Adzen, with an official announcement expected in the coming days after Bernard Parker’s departure earlier this week.

The club began searching for a new technical leader after a poor opening to the Betway Premiership season. The Rockets have won one, drawn three and lost four of their first eight league matches, a sequence that ultimately led to Parker losing his position.

Mtsweni to return to youth setup

Esau Mtsweni took temporary charge for Tuesday’s meeting with Orlando Pirates, but could not prevent Galaxy from suffering a 3-0 defeat at the Orlando Amstel Arena.

Mtsweni has made it clear that he does not want to remain in the role permanently. His intention is to return to the club’s youth structures on a full-time basis once the new manager has arrived.

That has prompted Galaxy’s management to move quickly to appoint a permanent successor and revise its plans for the club’s technical leadership.

UEFA Pro Licence central to search

Chairman Tim Sukazi has previously spoken publicly about his preference for coaches who hold the UEFA Pro Licence. The qualification is viewed by the club as an important part of its tactical approach and its past successes.

Adzen, a 53-year-old coach from Bosnia-Herzegovina, is now in line to take over. Negotiations are understood to have advanced rapidly, with personal terms and the main contractual arrangements reportedly already settled.

The coach is expected to be formally unveiled at Mbombela Stadium in the coming days.

“Yes, a new coach will be announced soon, and at this stage all we know is that he is from Bosnia,” an insider told Soccer Laduma.

Adzen’s first responsibility will be to steady a squad that has struggled during the opening weeks of the campaign. Galaxy are looking to improve their position in the Betway Premiership and recover from a start that has left them with only one victory from eight matches.

The appointment would bring an end to the brief period in which Mtsweni has overseen the team following Parker’s exit, while giving the club a permanent figure to lead its efforts to reverse its early-season fortunes.