In a surprise Motsepe Foundation Championship move, Polokwane City co-coach Papi Zothwane has stepped down from his role at the club.
Zothwane joined Rise and Shine in July this year to work alongside Duncan Lechesa.
He had quit as coach at Uthongathi in what also appeared to be a surprise move. FARPost has reliably been informed that Zothwane has since returned to the KwaZulu-Natal-based side.
PAPI ZOTHWANE ON THE MOVE
This publication has established that Zothwane started taking charge of training sessions on Thursday.
“Yes, he is back here with us and started working yesterday. Everyone is happy and looking forward to working with him,” said our mole in Durban.
Zothwane could not be reached for clarity as his phone rang unanswered.
Meanwhile, the move has shocked Polokwane City players, who are yet to be officially informed of Zothwane’s whereabouts.
“It’s difficult because we were doing very well under him and Lechesa. But no one has said anything so far. It’s something players have been talking amongst themselves,” said one player at City.
POLOKWANE DECENT SEASON
Zothwane leaves Polokwane City at the top of the Motsepe Foundation Championship log. They have collected 22 points in their first 10 matches.
It’s unclear what led to his sudden departure while the club is fighting for promotion.
The club is in their third season in the first division following their relegation at the end of the 2019/20 season. They fell short of promotion back to the Premiership last season after being early contenders.
But changes in the coaching personnel saw them dropping more points and falling out of the pack.
Meanwhile, Zothwane takes over an Uthongathi side, which is currently fifth on the log. They are six points below Polokwane and two points from the promotion playoffs position.
It’s unclear if he will be on the bench when Uthongathi takes on Black Leopards on Sunday.
