Co-coaches Siyabonga Bhembe and Humphrey Mlwane.
By Refilwe Sebola
Tzaneen United’s promising ABC Motsepe League Stream A campaign has hit a rough patch, with the Maruleng-based side continuing to drop crucial points following the departure of co-coach Moses Malatji shortly before the December break.
United, affectionately known as Lebapola, were sitting pretty in second place before the festive period, level on points with the leading pack and firmly in the championship conversation.
But since Malatji’s exit, the wheels have started to come off.
The club has managed just one draw and two defeats in their last three matches — a run that has seen them surrender momentum at a critical stage of the season.
Their poor run began with a 1-1 draw away to Mukondeni Young Chiefs, before they suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to log leaders Mpheni Defenders. Matters worsened last weekend when they were beaten 3-1 by Vondwe X1 Bullets, a defeat that further dented their title ambitions.
The slump has also had an impact on the log standings.
Tzaneen United have now slipped to third place, having been overtaken by Phalaborwa United, who are level on points with them but boast a superior goal difference.
In a bid to steady the ship, the club has moved swiftly to reinforce its technical team by recruiting former Kaizer Chiefs player Humphrey Mlwane as Malatji’s replacement.
Mlwane was officially unveiled as co-coach alongside Swaziland international mentor Siyabonga Bhembe, with the pair expected to revive Lebapola’s title charge.
However, the new era did not start with a result. Mlwane’s first match in the dugout ended in disappointment, with United going down to Vondwe — extending the club’s winless run and leaving supporters anxious as the season enters a decisive phase.
This season, Lebapola made it clear they were chasing the league championship after falling short in the previous campaign. Their pedigree in Stream A is well known — they won the stream two seasons ago, only to stumble in the provincial playoffs where they lost to Mpheni Defenders, missing out on a place in the national playoffs.
That title-winning side was guided by the highly-rated Peace Khosa, who has since moved on to Continental.
This season’s squad is believed to have the depth and quality to match that group which narrowly missed out in the provincial playoffs, but their recent form suggests the club is still searching for stability.
With Mpheni Defenders opening an eight-point gap at the top, Tzaneen United cannot afford further slip-ups if they are serious about staying in the race.
The pressure is now on Mlwane and Bhembe to spark a turnaround — starting with a massive home clash against TTM this Saturday. United then face another stern test next weekend when they travel to Phalaborwa to take on Phalaborwa United in what could be a decisive encounter in the battle for the top positions.
For Lebapola, the message is clear: the season is still alive, but the time for excuses is over.