Gomora United head coach Patrick Phungwayo has revealed to FARPost why he told former goalkeeper King Ndlovu to quit playing after the latter joined the club as a player at the beginning of the season.
Ndlovu was signed by the Motsepe Foundation Championship side at the beginning of the 2026/27 season as a player/goalkeeper coach.
The 33-year-old famously gained national attention as a ball boy during the iconic 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. He had been unattached since parting ways with Pretoria Callies in 2025.
PATRICK PHUNGWAYO REVEALS HIS CONVERSATION WITH GOALKEEPER COACH KING NDLOVU
Speaking to FARPost after their 3-2 defeat to Cape Town City at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Friday, Phungwayo said it was important that Ndlovu shifts his focus on imparting his knowledge to the goalkeepers at the club.
“When I looked at it with young goalkeepers, I said, “King, look at these boys, they look up to you, the experience that you’ve gained in all these years,” said Phungwayo.
“I said, “King, if I go and look for a goalkeeper coach while you are here, they [players] look up to you, and when you do something, they listen. Leadership is there.” You know, everything that he does. You see, when you see a leader, you need to say, “Maybe it’s time, King.” Not because you are a bad person, but look at other ventures because, unfortunately, guys, it’s our time also, the ones that played the game.
“You know, we can’t stay playing forever. You know, at some point, we need to come back and give back, and I think King is doing a fantastic job. Round of applause, our goalkeepers are one of the best in this league,” said the former Orlando Pirates left-back.
“You know, next weekend, a new goalkeeper can come in, he’ll deliver. You know, I don’t doubt it. I don’t have to look any further, you know. I think I have a balanced technical team.”
GOMORA UNITED COACH PRAISES PLAYING EXPERIENCE OF THE NEWLY FORMED TECHNICAL TEAM
Meanwhile, Phungwayo has also praised the work done by striker coach Mxolisi Macuphu. The 36-year-old also retired at the end of last season to form part of the new technical team.
“I have someone that played in defense, I have a striker and I have a goalkeeper. So when we speak of departments, it’s easy for us to engage, you know. I think the experience of playing it is different to coaching it, you know, because you no longer are doing it yourself. You require the players to do it for you. So I think we’re growing as a technical team, and I think, uh, given time, people will be surprised.”
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