Reneilwe 'Yeye' Letsholonyane is closing in on a head coaching role with Botswana giants Mochudi Centre Chiefs. The former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana midfielder is set for a return to Botswana football after leaving his assistant coach position at FC Platinum in Zimbabwe.
The move follows Mochudi Centre Chiefs parting ways with Spanish mentor Miguel Corral Torreira just three matches into the new Botswana Premier League season. The club, known as Magosi, currently sit seventh in the standings with four points from their opening three games. An official announcement confirming Letsholonyane's appointment is expected on Thursday afternoon.
A proven coach stepping up
Letsholonyane is no stranger to the Botswana league, having previously managed Matebele FC. He guided that side to a 10th-place finish last season, securing their top-flight status and earning a nomination for Coach of the Season. This new role with a club targeting a title push represents a significant step up in his coaching journey, which has also included work with South Africa's Under-20 team and AmaZulu FC's reserve side. The 44-year-old holds a CAF A licence and has focused on developing his coaching career since retiring. His immediate task will be to prepare the Mochudi squad for their next league fixture against Orapa United, a key match as the club looks to climb the table.
Chiefs connections in the move
The switch also highlights links to other former Kaizer Chiefs figures. Letsholonyane's vacancy at FC Platinum has been filled by Onismor Bhasera, another ex-Amakhosi player. Bhasera, a former Zimbabwe international defender, will serve as assistant to head coach Thabo Senong at the Zimbabwean club. FC Platinum general manager Collen Nikisi confirmed Letsholonyane's departure was to take up a head coach role in Botswana and wished him well, stating the coach had been instrumental in their recent CAF Champions League campaign.
Kaizer Chiefs, the club where Letsholonyane built his legendary playing career, are currently fourth in the Premier Soccer League with 13 points from seven matches. Their recent form shows an unbeaten run of five games, though they have drawn four of those, including a 0-0 stalemate with Golden Arrows last time out. Their next challenge is a league fixtures clash against TS Galaxy, a game where they will seek to convert draws into wins. The appointment of a beloved club legend to a prominent coaching role offers a positive story for supporters as they follow the campaign.
First reported at FARPost
