The head coach of Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila FC (TTM), Mr Johnny Ferreira, has been placed on precautionary suspension. According to the team manager, Mr Azwihangwisi Phasha, Mr Ferreira's suspension follows an ugly incident that happened during the team's training session last week.
Phasha refused to give more details regarding the incident, saying that the matter was subject to investigation. He said that Mr Ferreira would be summoned to appear before the club's disciplinary committee if the investigation found a need to do so. He said that the allegations were so serious that the club's management was compelled to place the coach on precautionary suspension with immediate effect, pending the finalisation of the investigation.
A source close to the team, who wished to remain anonymous, said that the 65-year-old mentor was involved in a heated debate with one of the players, Mokgantle Katleho, during the training session. The argument is said to have turned ugly when Mr Ferreira allegedly lost his temper and spat in the face of the player. All this is said to have happened in full view of the other players.
This season is probably the worst for Mr Ferreira. He joined TTM, or Vhadau Vha Damani as they are also called, from Venda Football Academy at the beginning of the season. He left TTM for Black Leopards four months down the line. His departure from TTM came after the then president of the club, Mr Masala Mulaudzi, had gone public, saying the club was in a difficult financial position.
Mr Ferreira only spent one month at Lidoda duvha before he returned to TTM early this year. His return to TTM is still to be felt so far. The team has lost seven games under his guidance after his return from Black Leopards. Their latest humiliation was a 0-3 drubbing at the hands of Uthongathi FC at the Princess Magogo Stadium in Durban last Saturday.
The team is currently lying in the 15th spot on the log standings with 19 points from 24 outings. TTM's next fixture will be against Cape Town All Stars at the Dr Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein next Saturday, 1 April.
All efforts to solicit comments from Mr Ferreira did not bear any fruits as his phone went unanswered in all instances.