Struggling Motsepe Foundation Championship side Venda FC have appointed experienced tactician Kaitano Tembo as their new head coach, replacing Clinton Larsen during the ongoing FIFA international break.
The 56-year-old Zimbabwean tactician takes over the reins from Clinton Larsen, who parted ways with the Limpopo-based outfit following a disastrous start to the 2026/27 campaign—as FARPost first reported.
Venda FC currently anchor the second-tier standings after collecting a solitary point from their opening five matches, a dismal run that includes four consecutive defeats.
Tembo steps into the dugout on a two-year contract with an option to extend, as the club utilises the FIFA international break to reset their season. He will be joined in Limpopo by former Marumo Gallants assistant Fani Mthethwa as his second-in-command.
VENDA FC ACT SWIFTLY TO SECURE KAITANO TEMBO
The former SuperSport United, Sekhukhune United, and Richards Bay FC mentor arrives tasked with instilling stability and steering the club out of early-season relegation danger before league action resumes.
Larsen leaves Venda FC during his second season at the helm, having guided the side to safety in 2025/26 following his successful stint with Magesi FC, where he clinched promotion and the 2024 Carling Knockout Cup. The 55-year-old has since been linked with a move to Betway Premiership outfit Siwelele FC.
TEMBO RETURNS TO SOUTH AFRICAN CLUB FOOTBALL
Tembo’s move to Venda FC comes shortly after missing out on the permanent senior Zimbabwe national team position, which was awarded to Spaniard Jose Ramon Catala Peiro.
Tembo had been serving as the interim coach for the Warriors following the departure of Mario Marinica, before taking charge of the Zimbabwe Under-20 national team.
Now returning to the PSL club ecosystem, the experienced tactician turns his full attention to steering Venda FC away from the drop zone when league action resumes after the international window in October.
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