Coach Abram Mongoya has made a swift return to the Motsepe Foundation Championship, reuniting with his former club, Kruger United, just days after his acrimonious departure from Upington City FC.
The Lesotho-born coach takes over the vacant head coaching position at Kruger United, a move necessitated by the recent appointment of Vusumuzi ‘Kanu’ Vilakazi as the new coach of Betway Premiership side Chippa United, where he replaced Luc Eymael.
Mongoya’s reappearance at Kruger United follows his abrupt exit from Upington City, where he had been in charge since the start of the season. The coach recently parted company with the Northern Cape-based club after a disciplinary process found him guilty of gross misconduct.
The core of the issue stemmed from Mongoya’s decision to take up a role with the Lesotho national team without the express written authorisation of his employer. Mongoya reportedly missed club duties while serving on the bench for Likuena during their recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a move that Upington City deemed a serious breach of contract.
The club’s internal disciplinary hearing recommended his dismissal, leading to the official separation of the two parties last week. Upington City has since moved quickly to appoint former Moroka Swallows coach Musa Nyatama as Mongoya’s replacement.
MONGOYA FAMILIAR FACE AT KRUGER UNITED
A FARPost source confirmed the coach was spotted in Mbombela on Monday, adding that the two parties had reached an agreement. The appointment of Mongoya is logical since he knows most of the players.
He was in charge of the team last season before his departure at the end of the campaign.
Mongoya is now tasked with providing immediate stability and guidance for the Mpumalanga club. They are currently ninth in the Motsepe Foundation table after winning two games, drawing four and losing two. In their maiden season—the 2024/25 term—they finished fifth and are eager to improve on that position.
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