New Tzaneen United coach Thabiso Msongelwa.
By: Refilwe Sebola
Tzaneen’s two ABC Motsepe League representatives will begin their new campaigns on the road this Saturday, with Tzaneen United and Nkowankowa Continental both facing away assignments in Venda.
The Limpopo ABC Motsepe League gets underway in earnest at 15h00, with United travelling to face newcomers Goue Seuns, while Continental visit Mukondeni Young Chiefs.
United head into the campaign with a new-look technical team after making changes to their coaching structure.
Ludwick Tshamano Raselaya and Thabiso Msongelwa will work as co-coaches, with Oruel Sambo serving as assistant coach.
The trio have already had their first competitive outing together after United’s Nedbank Cup campaign ended in defeat.
Msongelwa is a familiar face at United, having previously coached the club. The Eastern Cape-born coach has also worked with Mpheni Defenders and Mikhado FC.
He was part of the technical team alongside Moses “Pokker” Malatji towards the end of last season, before Malatji left United early in the new campaign to pursue another opportunity.
Raselaya and Sambo also know each other well, having worked together at Lebash Football Academy last season.
United will now look to put their cup disappointment behind them when they face Goue Seuns, with the new technical team keen to get their league campaign off to a positive start.
Continental set sights on title
Across Tzaneen, Nkowankowa Continental are entering the season with much bigger ambitions.
The club has set its sights on winning the ABC Motsepe League title and has brought in experienced coach Timmy Mashele to lead the challenge.
Mashele has a proven record of guiding teams to promotion, having previously helped Phalaborwa United secure promotion.
Continental will begin their title pursuit away against Mukondeni Young Chiefs, and the Nkowankowa outfit will be targeting maximum points from their opening fixture.
The club’s ambition is clear, but Saturday’s trip to Venda will provide an early test of whether Continental can turn their title aspirations into results.
For the two Tzaneen clubs, the opening weekend comes with contrasting storylines.
United are looking to rebuild under a new-look coaching structure following their Nedbank Cup disappointment, while Continental begin the season with the pressure of challenging for the championship.
Both sides will be hoping to return from Venda with positive results when the action gets underway at 15h00 on Saturday.
Tzaneen United Co-coach Ludwick Tshamano Raselaya.