The Bees FC coach Joel Masutha.
By: Refilwe Sebola
In a football narrative that has become all too familiar, veteran coach Joel Masutha has once again delivered when it mattered most, steering The Bees away from the dreaded relegation zone in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
The experienced mentor, who enjoyed successful spells at both Black Leopards and Baroka FC before falling out of favour at each club, was thrown a lifeline by the Mpumalanga-based side earlier this season as they stared at a possible drop into the ABC Motsepe League.
Masutha, nicknamed “Moporofeta” in some circles, is well remembered for guiding Black Leopards to PSL promotion and playing a key role in Baroka FC’s development during his tenures.
Ironically, both Limpopo giants have since been relegated from the Motsepe Foundation Championship — the very fate he was hired to help The Bees avoid.
Appointed midway through the campaign when The Bees were deep in trouble, Masutha wasted no time in stabilising the ship. True to his reputation as a seasoned fire-fighter, he has guided the team to safety with one game to spare.
The Bees now sit comfortably in 10th position on the league table with 34 points. Their status was officially secured last weekend with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Leicesterford City, a result that sparked scenes of relief at the club.
This Sunday, 17 May, The Bees will host a provincial derby against already-promoted Kruger United at what promises to be a celebratory atmosphere. With both pride and bragging rights on the line, the match will serve as a fitting end to a turbulent season for the Mpumalanga outfit.
While Masutha has undoubtedly fulfilled his mandate with his trademark calm authority and tactical acumen, uncertainty remains over his future. It is not yet clear whether The Bees will retain the services of the veteran coach for next season or part ways once the campaign concludes.
For now, however, the focus remains on gratitude. In a league where experienced heads are often discarded too quickly, Joel Masutha has reminded everyone why clubs in crisis continue to turn to him — because when the pressure is on, he almost always finds a way.
The Bees will be hoping that this is not the end of the Masutha chapter, but merely another successful page in the story of a coach who specialises in defying the odds.