Phalaborwa United sack coach after Nedbank exit

PHALABORWA – Phalaborwa United FC have officially parted ways with its recently appointed head coach, Tefu Mashamaite, following the team’s early exit from the 2025/26 Nedbank Cup.

Coach dismissed after penalty shootout loss

The announcement was made in a statement released on the club’s Facebook page on October 25, the same day the match was played.

The former professional footballer was appointed as a head coach on September 16, following the departure of former coach Timmy Mashele.

He had been in charge for just over a month. His term came to an unexpected end after Phalaborwa United’s 4-3 penalty shootout loss to Nkowankowa Continental FC at Nkowankowa Stadium, after a goalless draw in regulation time.

In an official statement, the club explained that the decision to relieve Mashamaite of his duties was part of a review of the team’s performance and overall direction.

“The decision follows the club’s 4-3 loss on penalties to Nkowankowa Continental FC after a tightly contested match ended in a draw. The club’s management determined that a change in leadership was necessary as part of its review of the team’s performance and overall direction,” the statement read.

The club also thanked Mashamaite for his efforts and wished him well in his future endeavours. However, the announcement has drawn mixed reactions from followers on Facebook. While some supporters welcomed the decision, stating that Mashamaite lacked sufficient experience for the position, others criticised the club for its instability and described the team as directionless.

Mashamaite disputes how dismissal was handled

Moreover, Mashamaite said he was surprised by how he learned of his dismissal.

“I only found out about the dismissal from the team manager, who told me he saw it on Facebook while we were still at the stadium. I was a bit shocked because I felt it could have been handled more professionally. Phalaborwa United fans knew about my firing before I did,” he alleged.

Mashamaite added that he was not given enough time to implement his vision and strategies.

“One month was not enough. We played two official matches, we won one against our rivals, Selwane Vultures, and drew the other, which we lost on penalties to Continental,” he explained.

However, he described his one-month journey with Phalaborwa United as a beautiful experience. “It was a beautiful journey. I discovered my passion for coaching, and within that short period, we managed to build a strong bond, establish a professional weekly schedule, and implement themed training sessions,” said Mashamaite.

The club responds

When the Herald contacted the club’s communications manager, Kgaugelo Pilusa, regarding Mashamaite’s claims that he learned about his dismissal through a Facebook post, Pilusa denied the allegations.

“The allegations are not true. The former coach was fully aware of the mandate, which was to take the team to the Nedbank Cup Last 32. The Facebook announcement was made only after he had already been informed officially,” said Pilusa.

He also confirmed that the team has appointed Mashoto Malesa as the interim coach.