Ex-Baroka FC defender Basil Mphahlele has weighed in on what he makes of Patrick Phungwayo as Gomora United coach, following his arrival at the Motsepe Foundation Championship side.
The 26-year-old right-back recently completed a move to Gomora during the current transfer window as he seeks to revive his professional career.
Mphahlele had been unattached since parting ways with the now-defunct Moroka Swallows in July 2024, a setback that left him on the sidelines for two seasons without competitive football.
The defender first made his mark in top-flight football during the 2020/21 season with Bakgaga. His impressive performances in Baroka colours earned him a national team call-up for the 2021 COSAFA Cup, where Bafana Bafana lifted the trophy for the first time in five years.
He also featured in the 2022 African Nations Championship [CHAN] qualifier against Angola, bringing his national team caps to five.
Now back in competitive action, Mphahlele is determined to rediscover his top form in the National First Division [NFD] under the guidance of Phungwayo, a former professional defender himself, who turned out for big teams such as Orlando Pirates, Greece side Panionios FC, and now-defunct Bidvest Wits, to mention a few.
WHAT BASIL MPHAHLELE SAYS ABOUT PATRICK PHUNGWAYO
Speaking to FARPost, Mphahlele praised his mentor’s approach, noting that Phungwayo’s playing background helps him connect with the squad.
Phungwayo took over the coaching reins at Gomora from Johnny Ferreira, who has left the team to join Middelburg United, who competes in the SAFA Mpumalanga ABC Motsepe League.
At Gomora, the former Pirates defender works alongside with Vincent Rammoni [assistant coach], Lesego Manganyi [second assistant coach], and King Ndlovu [goalkeeper coach].
“Well, so far, he is a good guy and a good coach. He makes things easier for us since he has been in the very same place [played professional football before] that we are in right now,” Mphahlele told FARPost.
“So, everything is coming well right under his leadership. We are looking forward to helping the team challenge for automatic promotion to the Betway Premiership.”
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