Xali targets promotion after taking charge of Mangaung United

Former Africa School of Excellence coach Masimanyane Xali is relishing the challenge of leading Mangaung United as they pursue promotion from the Free State ABC Motsepe League.

Xali, who is credited with helping develop several players who have since moved into the Betway Premiership, was recently appointed head coach of the ambitious provincial side. His new role comes after he and a number of other coaches and staff members left the Africa School of Excellence following a change in ownership.

The development school, which had been under the directorship of Transnet, was transferred to Chipcor Holdings, a company owned by Chippa United chairman Siviwe Mpengesi. Several months after the institution was rebranded, the new owners carried out a cost-cutting exercise that resulted in a number of employees losing their jobs.

Xali had spent nine-and-a-half years at the School of Excellence. During that period, he was part of a coaching structure that helped nurture the careers of Relebohile Mofokeng, Emile Witbooi, Kutlwano Letlhaku, Cemran Dansin and Puso Dithejane.

Those players were among a wider group of young footballers who went on to secure moves to clubs competing in the Betway Premiership.

Now working in a new environment, Xali said his immediate priority was to adapt to the demands of Mangaung United and help the club achieve its targets.

“Since I’m in a new environment, setup, with different expectations, I’m just looking to adapt as quickly as possible and so far I think the club has everything they need to be successful and hopefully I can help the club achieve it’s objectives,” Xali said in a brief interview.

The coach, affectionately known as ‘Masi’, takes charge after Mangaung United won their Free State provincial ABC Motsepe League stream by finishing top of the standings.

That success earned the club a place in the national play-offs, where promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship was at stake. Mangaung United ultimately fell short, with Hope FC and North West University reaching the final and securing promotion to the second tier.

Although United did not complete the move up to the Motsepe Foundation Championship, their campaign brought attention from scouts working for clubs in the Premier Soccer League.

One of their standout players, Blessing Thulo, reportedly attracted interest from Betway Premiership sides Kaizer Chiefs, Golden Arrows and AmaZulu. However, it was Siwelele who won the race to sign the midfielder.

For Xali, the move to Mangaung United represents a fresh challenge after nearly a decade spent working within one of the country’s recognised youth development programmes. His task will be to build on the club’s strong provincial campaign and guide them through another promotion attempt, while also continuing to develop players capable of attracting interest from higher levels of the game.