Admitting to feeling “nerves,” Reneilwe Letsholonyane has shared his thoughts on facing seasoned coach Owen Da Gama in his very first game in charge of Matebele FC in the Botswana Premier League.
‘Yeye’, as he is popularly known, was officially announced as Matebele’s mentor on Monday, 1 September 2025.
The former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder, Letsholonyane, has already hit the ground running, preparing for his first official league game against Black Lions FC, a team coached by Da Gama. The league game will be played on Saturday, 13 September, at Royal Aria Stadium. The showdown will kick off at 16:00 [SA time].
As things stand, Matebele have played three games in the new season of the Botswana Premier League, securing one victory while also suffering two defeats.
Currently, Matebele occupy the 10th position in the standings, whereas Black Lions are languishing at the bottom [15th place] of the table with nothing to show for their efforts after three straight defeats.
RENEILWE LETSHOLONYANE ON FACING HIS FORMER MENTOR IN HIS FIRST OFFICIAL LEAGUE GAME
Letsholonyane stated that he feels a little bit “nervous” about facing a seasoned coach like Da Gama, especially since he is still relatively new in the coaching space.
Coach Da Gama is no stranger to Letsholonyane, having previously coached the retired PSL star at Highlands Park and TS Galaxy.
“Obviously, with the knowledge and experience that he has gained throughout the years and having done it all, coach Owen Da Gama started where I am now,” Letsholonyane told FARPost.
“I’m sure even he was a little bit nervous when he started coaching, especially when playing against a coach who had already established himself at that time.
“Yes, there are a few nerves, obviously, because I know what he has achieved in his coaching career. I know he has coached me before at the national team, Highlands Park, and TS Galaxy.
“So, I know he has a lot of knowledge, football-wise, and on the other side, I’m still learning and very young in the coaching space. But I’m excited to be sharing the field with a person who once coached me and contributed to my growth to be the person that I am today.”
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