Newly promoted Kruger United have bolstered their technical team with the appointment of experienced coach Joel Masutha as assistant coach for the upcoming Betway Premiership season.
Masutha will work alongside head coach Abram Mongoya, who successfully guided the Mpumalanga-based outfit to the Motsepe Foundation Championship title and promotion to South Africa’s top flight last season.
The 43-year-old joins Kruger United after spending the previous campaign with The Bees. Masutha arrived at The Bees in February, tasked to save them from getting the chop. He guided the club to a 10th-place finish before waving goodbye to them.
Kruger United have already begun preparations for their debut season in the Premiership, with the squad returning for pre-season training this week.
Masutha brings a wealth of coaching experience to the club, having previously held coaching roles at several South African clubs, including Baroka FC, Black Leopards, Pretoria Callies and Venda FC.
His appointment is expected to strengthen Kruger United’s technical department as the club prepares to compete against some of the country’s biggest teams in its maiden top-flight campaign.
JOEL MASUTHA AND SIMON MARANGE TO ASSIST MONGOYA
The former Black Leopards mentor is highly regarded for his knowledge of South African football and his experience in both the Premiership and lower divisions.
Kruger will be hoping the combination of Mongoya’s successful leadership and Masutha’s experience can help the club establish itself in the Betway Premiership following a remarkable promotion-winning season.
The two will also work with Simon Marange as the other assistant. The former Orlando Pirates youth coach was part of Mongoya’s technical team last season.
Marange’s strength lies in youth development, and his presence could prove instrumental in helping Kruger United successfully integrate young players into the first team.
With the club set to introduce a DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] side, his experience in nurturing and transitioning talent from youth football to the senior ranks will be invaluable as Kruger look to build a sustainable pathway for emerging players.
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