Durban — Two Premiership teams, Marumo Gallants and Chippa United, have recently changed head coaches. Unsurprisingly, the Chilli Boys chose Morgan Mammila to replace Daine Klate.
It will be an accomplishment if Mammila makes it through the season as coach of the team owned by the PSL’s most unstable owner, Siviwe Mpengesi, given his track record.
As a result of their failed gamble on the inexperienced French strategist Romain Folz, the Gallants also had a sluggish start to the season. The Gallants have had no luck with an unproven French coach for the second consecutive year. The same scenario transpired when they parted ways with Sebastien Migne last year.
As the league table begins to take shape, Luc Eymael, Ernst Middendorp, and Fadlu Davids, who have all been associated with a return to the dugout in the near future, will almost certainly have opportunities to return to the bench.
Middendorp has spent so much time in South Africa that he is a naturalized citizen; therefore, any team that want to employ him need not worry about obtaining a work visa. The German has coached at least six South African sides. While it is unlikely that any elite clubs will hire the 63-year-old, he might be a possibility for those in the middle of the table and at the bottom of the standings.
Since parting company with Orlando Pirates at the end of last season, Davids has been unemployed. He has demonstrated promise as a youthful tactician and can offer flair to any team, despite his lack of experience.
After being accused of racism against fans of his old team Yanga SC in July 2020, any appointment of Eymael may be met with criticism.
However, the Belgian was cleared of racism by Safa’s ethics commission in 2021, allowing him to return to coaching in South Africa. It remains to be seen whether any club will be willing to endure the scrutiny that may accompany his appointment.