The former head coach of Black Leopards FC, Joel Masutha, has secured a new professional coaching position. In an interview, Masutha confirmed that his appointment as head coach of The Bees Football Club took effect last Thursday, 19 February.
Masutha said negotiations with the Nelspruit-based Motsepe Foundation Championship side began soon after his departure from Black Leopards in October last year.
He replaces Humphrey Mlwane, whose tenure ended late last year following a string of poor results. Mlwane is now the head coach of Eswatini MTN Premier League side Tabankulu Celtic FC.
Masutha previously had a brief stint with ABC Motsepe League outfit Musina United, leaving amicably after accepting the offer from The Bees FC.
The 53-year-old mentor arrived in Nelspruit last Saturday evening and was introduced to the players the following morning. Confirming the appointment, The Bees FC chairman, Julius Magunga, said he believed Masutha could help turn the team’s fortunes around. He added that Masutha’s mandate was straightforward — to steer the club away from relegation.
Magunga again said he had followed Masutha’s coaching record over several years and was confident results would improve under his guidance. The Bees are currently fourth from bottom on the log with 19 points, seven more than tailenders Black Leopards.
Asked whether the mandate was achievable, Masutha said that anything was still possible with 12 matches remaining before the end of the season. He will take his place on the technical bench for the first time when The Bees face Casric Stars at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in Siyabuswa on Friday afternoon.