Betway Premiership club Siwelele FC have made a surprising reshuffle of their backroom staff and hierarchy following the club’s restructuring.
Club chairman Calvin le John announced that the newly rebranded side have parted ways with CEO Stan Matthews. The experienced executive had remained with the club following Siwelele’s acquisition of the PSL status of SuperSport United in July.
It appears that things did not go as planned, and Matthews was dismissed reportedly due to a strained relationship with head coach Lehlohonolo Seema.
Lerato Kholoanyane, better known as a member of the Patriotic Alliance, has been appointed as Siwelele’s interim CEO. Additionally, assistant coach Andre Arendse, who was also retained from the SuperSport franchise, has been relieved of his duties.
Former Bloemfontein Celtic and Orlando Pirates defender Willem Jackson will step in as assistant coach to Seema.
As it stands, Siwelele FC are currently 14th in the Betway Premiership standings, having secured only one victory in their first seven league matches.
Chairman Le John emphasised that Matthews and Arendse’s departure was necessary, as their lives were reportedly “threatened on a daily basis.” He also confirmed that several players who have not demonstrated sufficient commitment to the team will have their contracts terminated.
In the next five to six days, Siwelele is expected to announce new signings to bolster their position in the league. So far, the team has achieved only one win, one draw, and five defeats in seven league matches.
Siwelele are scheduled to play Orlando Pirates on Tuesday. They then face Marumo Gallants on Saturday, with the Calring Knockout thereafter.
