Former Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane has disclosed how Siphiwe Tshabalala was involved in his move to Botswana side, Matebele FC.
‘Yeye’, as he is well known, was appointed as Matebele gaffer at the beginning of this month. This is Letsholonyane’s first professional coaching role.
Letsholonyane took charge of his first game as Matebele head coach when they locked horns with Black Lions FC in their league clash on Saturday, 13 September 2025.
The Botswana Premier League tie between the two teams took place at Royal Aria Stadium. The Lions, who are coached by Letsholonyane’s fellow countryman Owen Da Gama, walked away victorious with a 1-0 scoreline.
As a result, Matebele are now placed 11th in the log standings with three points, whereas Da Gama’s side finds themselves in 12th position with three points. Both clubs have played four games so far.
RENEILWE LETSHOLONYANE REVEALS HOW SIPHIWE TSHABALALA ADVICED HIM IN HIS MOVE TO MATEBELE FC
Letsholonyane revealed that Tshabalala was involved in his negotiations with Matebele as someone he regarded as his brother and business partner, who offered some valuable advice before he could finally make a decision to join the Botswana side.
The duo has a joint business venture, a bar called ShaYe Lounge in Dobsonville, Soweto, which was opened back in 2019.
“I’m happy and grateful to have him in my life, obviously as a brother. We have passed the friendship phase; we regard each other as brothers,” Letsholonyane told FARPost.
“It was a good feeling that he was involved in this move. He has been part of the conversation since it started. So, being here with me, witnessing the historic moment of my life and the final product that we have been working on together.
“He knows that I love being in the coaching space. So, while we were still in the negotiation stage regarding me coming to this side [Botswana], there were a bit of challenges. What he would do is say, “Here are the challenges, and you decide for yourself if this is a challenge that you can overcome, and then we can see what we can do about it.”
“Also, wherever he can, he would give me his thoughts, and in the end, obviously, I’m the one who has to make a decision. But whatever decision I make, he will then support it in full force.”
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