Mabhena’s future at the club uncertain
LETLHOGILE MPUANG
Jwaneng Galaxy are reportedly on the verge of appointing Major David Bright as their new head coach. The mining side had previously been under the guidance of former Sankoyo Bush Bucks coach Philani Mabhena, who guided them to their highest ever league finish (sixth) this past season.
Earlier this month, Gazette Sport broke the news that the club was in talks with Bright and current Mochudi Centre Chiefs gaffer Mike Sithole with a possibility of one taking over as head coach ahead of next season.
Though sources previously said Sithole was better placed to land the job with rumours of him parting ways with Chiefs gaining weight with every passing week, latest developments have revealed that the former Black Leopards and Bay United man is set to take over the honours at the Jwaneng side.
Bright has been unattached since leaving South African National First Division (NFD) side Thanda Royal Zulu late last year, and had been linked with several coaching jobs locally. According to a source at the club, the two parties have finally agreed terms, with Bright expected to be unveiled soon.
“Bright will be taking over next season, the club has been in contact with the coach for sometime now and they have finally reached an agreement,” said a source. The source described Bright’s appointment as “clear intentions” of what the club wishes to achieve next season.
“He (Bright) is a big coach, with a great pedigree, we all know what he has achieved as coach both at club level and internationally, and that was one of the main reasons why the club saw it fit to bring in someone of his caliber. The intentions are loud and clear, Galaxy want to challenge for trophies next season and that is not something too big to ask from coach like Bright,” added the informer.
“One thing which I believe made it easy for him to come here was because of his relationship with most of the senior players here. Resco (Moreetsi Mosimanyana), Mmusa (Ohilwe), (Tebogo) Sembowa,(Thebe) Maiketso were all part of Bright’s U23,” ended the source.
Despite the move flashing signs of positives for the former First Division South winners, Mabhena’s future now hangs in the balance.
This publication previously reported that one of Bright’s terms was that he would opt to bring in his preferred technical staff, which was contrary to the club’s desire of keeping the Zimbabwean coach as the team’s assistant coach.
It now remains to be seen what Bright’s appointment will mean to Mabhena’s future at the club. The team is currently back for pre season, and the 59 year old is expected to be introduced to the players in the coming weeks.