The Bees FC are pondering the future of their head coach, Duncan Lechesa, who is currently on special leave. Information reaching FARPost indicates that the two parties are discussing next steps.
The coach was asked to step aside last week after a winless start to the 2026/27 Motsepe Foundation Championship season, a run of four straight defeats. In fact, Lechesa was absent from the bench at the weekend as assistant coach Velile Zitha guided the Mpumalanga side to their first win of the season against Lerumo Lions.
The 1-0 win was a major boost after four consecutive defeats under Lechesa. The Bees lost their opener to Highbury FC before going down to Magesi FC, Gomora United and Hungry Lions. In those four defeats, they managed to score two goals and concede six, leaving management unhappy.
FARPost understands that the club is set to make an announcement soon, with his departure a strong possibility.
LECHESA’S FUTURE IN DOUBT THREE MONTHS AFTER APPOINTMENT
Lechesa signed a one-year contract in June, replacing Joel Masutha after The Bees finished 10th last season. The club had hoped his experience in the second tier would help them improve on that finish.
Masutha left after steering The Bees away from relegation and subsequently joined newly promoted Betway Premiership side Kruger United as an assistant coach.
Lechesa arrived from Black Leopards, where he had worked alongside Sundra Govinder. His previous clubs include Marumo Gallants, Venda FC, Polokwane City FC and Free State Stars.
Zitha is expected to remain in charge while The Bees resolve Lechesa’s position. He was brought in at the start of the season to assist Lechesa. His next assignment is an away match against Cape Town City in a league match before The Bees host Casric Stars.
Clinton Larsen was the first coach to be axed in the second tier of South African football after Venda FC dismissed him. Venda, who are currently 16th, with one draw and four losses in their opening five matches, have since appointed Kaitano Tembo.
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