Sekhukhune United’s high-profile arrival of Peter Hyballa on July 1, 2024, was meant to herald a new era of success.
However, just weeks into the pre-season, the club finds itself in turmoil, with player complaints and a dismal pre-season win record raising serious concerns about Hyballa’s suitability for the role.
Hyballa, known for his passionate and often controversial style, has a history of clashes with players and management. His stints at clubs like NEC Nijmegen and Esbjerg fB were marked by allegations of verbal abuse, bullying, and even physical altercations.
Despite leading DAC Dunajská Streda to a second-place finish in the Slovakian league in 2019, his longest tenure at a club has been 238 days at NAC Breda, according to Transfermkt.
The current situation at Sekhukhune United mirrors this pattern. Several players have reportedly complained about Hyballa’s insulting behaviour and criticism of their abilities. This has led to a fractured dressing room atmosphere before the season has even begun.
The German reportedly made offensive and unprofessional remarks towards two players, criticising one’s running style and accusing the other of laziness. Additionally, Hyballa’s pre-season record of two wins and six losses has done little to instil confidence in his tactical approach.
They picked wins against AmaZulu and Angolan Girabola side Bravos do Maquis. They succumbed to four defeats. Three of those were against Motsepe Foundation Championship sides – Orbit College, Hungry Lion and Casric Stars. They then lose to Betway Premiership side Stellenbosch FC.
PETER HYBALLA’S PAST TRANSGRESSIONS COME BACK TO HAUNT HIM
Hyballa’s past transgressions, such as allegedly photographing undressed players at Esbjerg fB and freezing out Ghanaian winger Quincy Owusu Abeyie at NAC Breda, further underscore the risks associated with his appointment. His track record suggests that his coaching style is not conducive to building a cohesive and successful team.
“It’s becoming increasingly a problem. The players are genuinely unhappy because of the nature of the coach. There’s a fear that he’s lost the dressing room before the season even starts,” a source told FARPost.
Besides the issue of fighting and bullying players, the club has lost top analyst Tinashe Shingai Mukandatsama allegedly due to a fractured relationship with the coach. Hyballa reportedly picked fights with his backroom staff during his four-week stint at the club.
Interestingly, veteran forward Pogiso Mahlangu described the coach as friendly but demanding. “He demands so much from us, he doesn’t even laugh, he doesn’t even crack a joke,” Mahlangu told journalists.
Babina Noko’s management now faces a difficult decision. Should they persist with Hyballa, hoping that his undeniable passion and occasional successes will outweigh his disruptive tendencies? Or should they cut their losses early, acknowledging that his appointment was a misjudgement that could jeopardise the club’s entire season?
Only time will tell how this saga unfolds. However, one thing is clear: Peter Hyballa’s return to management has been anything but smooth, and Sekhukhune may already be regretting their decision to bring him on board.
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