Coach Lehlohonolo Seema has left Sekhukhune United, the club said on Thursday without further explanation in a shock decision that comes with the club in fourth place in the Betway Premiership and about to play in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinal at the weekend.
A club statement said Seema’s assistants Kaitano Tembo and Paulus Masehe “will take on the responsibility of leading the team forward”.
“The club thanks coach Seema for his dedication and contribution during his time with us,” it added
Seema has had a fractious relationship with the club’s bosses and Sekhukhune last month approached Eric Tinkler to take over but then halted the move when the club moved up into third place in the Betway Premiership standings.
The 44-year-old former Basotho international, whose coaching career began at Bloemfontein Celtic, was let go by Sekhukhune at the end of last season despite the club finishing fourth in the league standings and qualifying to compete in the African Confederation Cup.
Sekhukhune had appointed German Peter Hyballa at the start of the season but fired him before the first game of the campaign and brought back Seema.
His 25 games in charge this season in all competitions saw 12 wins and nine defeats.
His departure follows defeat to struggling Richards Bay on Wednesday and comes just two days before the club take on Mamelodi Sundowns at Atteridgeville in the last eight of the cup on Saturday (live on SuperSport, 8pm)