Tshegofatso Mashego ready to coach at any level after Gomora United exit

Tshegofatso Mashego says he is ready to return to coaching and would consider an opportunity in any division after leaving Gomora United before the start of the current campaign.

The former Free State Stars defender had worked with the Alexandra-based club in several capacities, including as assistant coach to Patrick Phungwayo. He also played a role in Gomora’s promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship two seasons ago.

However, the relationship ended before the new season began, bringing Mashego’s latest spell with the club to a close.

“Things like this happen in football. There is no point dwelling on the past because, in football, you have to accept both the good and the bad,” Mashego told KickOff.

The coach says the departure has not affected his ambition and believes another opportunity will come soon.

“I have no doubt that I will be back in coaching soon. I am not someone who is picky, so I will coach in the ABC Motsepe League, the Motsepe Foundation Championship or even the topflight if the opportunity comes,” he said.

Mashego has built his coaching reputation in the lower divisions and is regarded as one of South Africa’s promising young tacticians. People familiar with his work describe him as a coach with “an analytical eye” who favours a possession-based style of football.

His most significant achievement came in June 2017, when he led Super Eagles to promotion to the National First Division by guiding them to the final of the ABC Motsepe League National Play-Offs.

He has also managed Bakone FC in Witbank, Njampela FC in KwaZulu-Natal and Black Eagles in North West, all in the ABC Motsepe League.

Mashego is particularly recognised for the part he played in Kruger United’s rise. He was the club’s first coach in the second tier and is credited with helping establish the foundations for their eventual promotion to the Betway Premiership.

He recently spoke with the club’s director, Basil Khoza, after Kruger United secured their first win. The pair reflected on the early days of the project.

“I was with the club’s director Basil [Khoza] after they got their first win recently, and we were looking back at those days. Although he is a man of very few words, he still appreciates what I did for the club,” said Mashego, who is also widely known as ‘Thabo’.

Mashego holds a CAF C licence and is preparing to progress to a CAF B licence in the near future. He remains open to offers from clubs across the South African football pyramid.

“Whichever club makes a good offer, I will go and coach anywhere,” he added.