Italian Fabio Lopez is the latest coach to lose his job in the Motsepe Foundation Championship after parting ways with Pretoria Callies.
FARPost has established that Lopez and his assistant Zain Ryklief have parted ways with Callies with immediate effect.
Lopez was appointed as head coach at Callies at the beginning of the season, taking over from Bushy Moloi.
FABIO LOPEZ FAILS TO FULFIL HIS MANDATE AT PRETORIA CALLIES
Following his appointment last year, club chairman Moses Malada said they had identified the UEFA Pro License holder as a key figure in their plans for promotion. Lopez has previously worked for Serie A sides Fiorentina and Atalanta.
“He has extensive experience as a scout. Our approach aligns with his expertise in identifying and developing talent,” said Malada at the time. “We want to enhance our focus on nurturing potential. Lopez will support our coaches and improve their skills, ultimately making our football more attractive to fans.
“Coach Lopez is a UEFA instructor, and we believe he will train our coaches, like Bushy Moloi, who are crucial for the growth of local football,” he said.
But in the 24 league matches that Lopez has been in charge, Callies have won just seven and lost 11. They are currently in position 14, three points above the relegation spot. The club has won just one of its last five matches in the league.
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FARPost has further established that the club has re-appointed Bushy Moloi as co-coach alongside Mpho Maleka. The pair’s immediate task will be an encounter against fellow strugglers, Cape Town Spurs.
The club will also have another tough task as they travel to promotion favourites Durban City FC. They will finish their season with a clash against JDR Stars.
Some of the coaches who have parted ways with their respective clubs in the Motsepe Foundation Championship this season include Vladislav Heric [Venda FC], Thulani Nkosi [Upington City FC], Mandla Qhogi [Milford FC], Maxwell Konadu, Zeca Marques [both Black Leopards], Vusi Mkhatshwa [Kruger United], Sundra Govender [Casric Stars] and Joel Masutha [Baroka FC].
In the Betway Premiership, coaches who have lost their jobs include Gavin Hunt [SuperSport United], Eric Tinkler, Muhsin Ertugral [both Cape Town City], Brandon Truter [Richards Bay FC], Dan Malesela, Dylan Kerr [Marumo Gallants], Clinton Larsen [Magesi FC], Mabhuti Khenyeza [Golden Arrows], Pablo Franco Martin [AmaZulu FC], Sead Ramovic [TS Galaxy], Lehlohonolo Seema [Sekhukhune United] and Manqoba Mngqithi [Mamelodi Sundowns].
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