Home » ABC Motsepe League » Ex-Chiefs defender Punch Masenamela fired weeks into new role

Ex-Chiefs defender Punch Masenamela fired weeks into new role

Punch Masenamela. Photo: Mavabaza United

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Punch Masenamela has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the SAFA North West ABC Motsepe League side Mavabaza United, just weeks after his appointment, FARPost has established.

Masenamela took the reins at the beginning of January 2026, joining the club alongside veteran striker Edward Manqele and former Bafana Bafana star Katlego ‘Killer’ Mphela. The latter serves as a board member and strikers’ coach.

His arrival followed a stint at Sunrise FC, a club recently expelled from the Limpopo ABC Motsepe League.

Mavabaza, who acquired the status of Platinum City Rovers for the 2025/26 season, currently sit sixth in Stream B with 16 points after nine matches.

Despite Masenamela’s short tenure, the club’s hierarchy has moved swiftly to make a change within their technical team in pursuit of their promotion ambitions.

While the club navigates Masenamela’s exit, the technical team has been bolstered by the arrival of Garetshepe Monyai as the new assistant coach. Monyai will work alongside head coach Thabo Makgale.

In a further roster change, the club reached an agreement to release Manqele, providing his clearance in the wake of Masenamela’s departure.

WHAT MAVABAZA UNITED NEW ASSISTANT COACH MONYAI SAID ABOUT HIS APPOINTMENT

Speaking to FARPost, Monyai expressed his enthusiasm for the project despite the sudden shift in leadership.

Garetshepe Monyai [in black cap] with Mavabaza United’s technical team. Photo: Mavabaza United

He went on to reveal that the pressure is on to maintain their upward trajectory, as the mandate remains clear: securing a spot in the national promotion playoffs.

“I’m excited to have joined the technical team because I have been looking for an opportunity like this: coaching these young boys as I try to pursue my coaching career, which is something I really love,” Monyai told FARPost.

“I love being part of this team and its ambitions. I pray that things go according to plan and the way the club’s hierarchy wants to achieve success. I’m also looking forward to working with the head coach and leading the team to greater heights.

“I wish to bring differences to the team and win games because that’s all that matters in this division. This will be important as we are chasing the league title, which is the club’s mandate [winning the league], and aiming for the playoffs.”

The club’s next league assignment will be against NWU Tawana FC on Wednesday, 4 February at Fanie Du Toit Sport Ground in Potchefstroom. The kick off is scheduled for 15:00.