The appointment of Lehlohonolo Seema as coach of the new franchise Siwelele completes the line-up for the upcoming Premier Soccer League (PSL) season, with all 16 teams now having a head coach in place.
Siwelele acquired the franchise from SuperSport United, and Seema, formerly at Sekhukhune United, takes over from Gavin Hunt and Andre Arendse, who had stepped in after Hunt was dismissed. Hunt, who has more than 1,000 games as a coach in South African football, returns as coach of Durban City, marking his 28th consecutive season in the PSL.
Orlando Pirates surprised many by appointing the relatively inexperienced Abdeslam Ouaddou to replace José Riveiro. Ouaddou made a promising start by leading Bloemfontein-based Marumo Gallants to a 2-0 victory over Pirates in March. Pirates remain the only club from last season’s top eight to make a coaching change, a move forced by Riveiro’s departure to Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
Marumo Gallants replaced Ouaddou with Alexandre Laffite, a 28-year-old French coach who won the league in Ivory Coast with Stade Abidjan earlier this year. He will be one of three new coaches in the PSL this season, alongside 35-year-old Sinethemba Badela, who takes over at Chippa United, and Pogisho Makhoye, newly promoted with Orbit College, who has no prior top-flight experience.
John Maduka returns to coaching after Royal AM’s suspension and expulsion from the league earlier this year. He takes charge of Magesi, replacing Owen da Gama as the club begins its second top-flight season.
2025-26 PSL Coaches Overview
Mamelodi Sundowns – Miguel Cardoso
Joined mid-December last season, winning the league and leading Sundowns to the African Champions League final.
Record last season: 39 games, 25 wins, 8 draws, 6 losses, 71 goals for, 26 against.
Orlando Pirates – Abdeslam Ouaddou
Joined Marumo Gallants in February, narrowly missing a top-eight finish.
Record last season: 12 games, 4 wins, 5 draws, 3 losses, 12 goals for, 10 against.
Stellenbosch – Steve Barker
Led the team to third place and the African Confederation Cup semifinal, marking their best top-flight season.
Record last season: 51 games, 26 wins, 12 draws, 13 losses, 65 goals for, 43 against.
Sekhukhune United – Eric Tinkler
Fired from Cape Town City mid-season, revived form at Sekhukhune United in closing months.
Record last season: 25 games, 9 wins, 7 draws, 9 losses, 24 goals for, 26 against.
TS Galaxy – Adnan Beganovic
Took over with club bottom of the table in November and finished fifth.
Record last season: 25 games, 10 wins, 9 draws, 6 losses, 38 goals for, 25 against.
AmaZulu – Arthur Zwane
Replaced Pablo Franco early last season, coaching solo after Vusi Vilakazi’s departure.
Record last season: 29 games, 12 wins, 5 draws, 12 losses, 35 goals for, 35 against.
Polokwane City – Phuti Mohafe
Secured a top-eight finish for the second straight season.
Record last season: 31 games, 10 wins, 19 draws, 13 losses, 23 goals for, 31 against.
Richards Bay – Ronnie Gabriel
Took over late November, guiding the club from relegation candidates to a top-eight finish.
Record last season: 22 games, 8 wins, 5 draws, 9 losses, 18 goals for, 22 against.
Kaizer Chiefs – Nasreddine Nabi
Ended Chiefs’ decade-long trophy drought with Nedbank Cup win but missed top eight again.
Record last season: 36 games, 14 wins, 9 draws, 13 losses, 45 goals for, 41 against.
Marumo Gallants – Alexandre Laffite
New appointment; young coach with recent success in Ivory Coast.
Chippa United – Sinethemba Badela
New coach; previously less known in top-flight circles.
Lamontville Golden Arrows – Manqoba Mngqithi
Returned after being dismissed by Sundowns, rejoining former club in March.
Record last season: 22 games, 16 wins, 7 draws, 9 losses, 48 goals for, 25 against.
Magesi – John Maduka
Back after Royal AM’s exit, taking over from Owen da Gama.
Record last season: 12 games, 1 win, 5 draws, 6 losses, 10 goals for, 17 against.
Siwelele – Lehlohonolo Seema
Fired from Sekhukhune in March despite top-five standing, now leads the new franchise.
Record last season: 25 games, 12 wins, 4 draws, 9 losses, 32 goals for, 27 against.
Durban City – Gavin Hunt
South Africa’s longest-serving coach returns at the helm of second-tier champions.
Record last season: 26 games, 7 wins, 7 draws, 12 losses, 18 goals for, 32 against.
Orbit College – Pogiso Makhoye
New to the top flight this season.