A South African coach got off to a good start in Tanzania after taking over the reins at a Mainland Premier League side.
Singida Fountain Gate recently parted ways with Brazilian coach Ricardo Ferreria following an unimpressive run. Just two months ago, the club appointed Ferreira as their new head coach, replacing Ernst Middendorp.
Middendorp had quit the job barely two weeks after taking charge, citing interference from the club’s management.
Former Lesotho national team mentor, Thabo Senong, who served as Middendorp’s assistant, remained in the East African country when the German left.
Thrust into the hot seat, Thabo Senong is now interim coach following Ferreira’s move. According to the club, the former Orlando Pirates and Sekhukhune United youth coach will be in charge until the end of the season.
HOW DID THABO SENONG’S TENURE START
Senong’s first assignment was in the Mapinduzi Cup, which roared to life this week in Zanzibar. Singida started with a convincing 4-1 win over Wasa JKU from Zanzibar.
That result ended a three-match winless streak, in which they drew twice and lost once in the league. They are in position five on the table, having won five games, drawn five, and lost four.
Under the Brazilian, Singida struggled to score goals, managing 17 in 14 games. Senong will be hoping to impress in the Mapinduzi Cup, with the league on a six-week break to make way for the Africa Cup of Nations. He guides his charges against reigning Rwanda champions APR FC on January 1, 2024.
Every year from late December to January 12th, Zanzibar explodes with the 12-team Mapinduzi Cup, a knockout tournament honouring the island’s Independence. The Zanzibar Football Federation ignites the festivities with this ‘Revolution’ [Mapinduzi in Swahili], a competition showcasing passionate football alongside national pride.
The first edition of the cup, played by Zanzibari teams and clubs from Tanzania mainland, was in 1998. For the past 10 years, invitations have gone out to clubs from Kenya and Uganda, bringing them to the event.
Senong will have time to prepare his team for the second round of the league after the Mapinduzi Cup. His first league test comes in the form of a clash against Tabora United on February 16, 2024. He will be hoping to better their fourth-place finish last season.
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