Former Marumo Gallants and Pretoria Callies mentor Mpho Maleka has been appointed as head coach of SAFA ABC Motsepe League side Free State United FC.
Maleka has been without a job since parting ways with Callies at the end of last season. This is after the club sold their Motsepe Foundation Championship status to Lerumo Lions.
He was in charge as co-coach together with David Mathebula when Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila won the 2021 Nedbank Cup, beating Chippa United 1-0 at the Free State Stadium.
The 47-year-old is also a CAF B License holder and currently pursuing a CAF A License through the Lesotho Football Association [LFA].
Maleka, together with the likes of Bafana Bafana assistant coach Helman Mkhalele, recently completed Phase one of the four-phase CAF A Course.
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The club announced this week that Maleka’s first official match will be on Saturday, 10 January 2026.
“Free State United FC is excited to announce the appointment of Mpho Maleka as the club’s new Head Coach,” the club said.
“Coach Maleka brings a wealth of experience across the Premier Soccer League, National First Division, and Motsepe League, with a proven track record in team building and player development. As a club firmly rooted in nurturing and developing talent, Free State.”
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“United is delighted to welcome a coach whose philosophy aligns seamlessly with our long-term vision. We are confident that Coach Maleka’s leadership, experience, and commitment to youth development will take the club to the next level.
United are currently in position 11 on the Free State ABC Motsepe League standings after 14 points from 11 matches so far.
They are set to travel to the Bluegumbosch Stadium to face African Warriors, in which will also be Maleka’s first match in charge.
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