Stanley Kgatla is the new head coach of Winnerspark FC
By: Refilwe Sebola
Winnerspark FC has appointed their legendary player, Stanley “Bingo” Kgatla, as their new head coach for this season.
The announcement was made by the club’s chairman, Robert Mokgola. Kgatla, a 43-year-old former Premier Soccer League midfielder from Ga-Ramotshinyadi in Bolobedu, arrived at the club on Tuesday afternoon and has already held his first training session with the team.
He will work with his former teammate, Isaac “Wacko” Senyolo, who was the team’s interim coach.
Kgatla brings a wealth of experience to the Bellevue-based club, having played professional football and coached in the ABC Motsepe League before. In the PSL, he played for teams such as Platinum Stars, Mpumalanga Black Aces, Amazulu, and Highlandspark. He retired from professional football as a player in 2016 to pursue coaching.
Between 2021 and 2022, Kgatla coached Sekhukhune United’s reserve team, African All Stars FC, and Highlandspark FC in the Gauteng ABC Motsepe League. Notably, during his time with All Stars FC, he guided the team to the top position in their stream but fell short of participating in the 2022 national playoffs after a defeat to La-Masia FC, who secured promotion to the National First Division league that same year.
Kgatla was reported to have expressed his interest in coaching his former side last season, although the opportunity did not materialize. The enthusiastic coach expressed his gratitude for the chance to utilize his wealth of experience in reviving the team, remarking, “I have been closely monitoring their performance last season, and I am thrilled to have been granted the opportunity to revitalize this sleeping giant.”
His first challenge will be this weekend against the defending champions, Mpheni Defenders, at Rabali Stadium.