PSL Coaches Who Were Sacked This 2024/25 Season

It’s been a rollercoaster year in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), with coaching changes dominating headlines across the country. As the pressure to deliver results intensifies, clubs are showing less patience with underperformance, no matter the coach’s credentials.

The 2024/25 season has already seen several high-profile sackings that reflect a volatile environment for local tacticians. Here’s a look at five PSL coaches who were dismissed during a turbulent campaign.

1. Lehlohonolo Seema – Sekhukhune United

On 6 March 2025, Sekhukhune United made headlines by dismissing Lehlohonolo Seema just hours after a pre-match press conference for their Nedbank Cup quarter-final clash against Mamelodi Sundowns. Despite having the club placed in a commendable third position on the Betway Premiership table, Seema’s tenure came to an abrupt end amid growing rumours of internal disagreements. His departure raised eyebrows, given the team’s strong campaign at the time. The club moved swiftly, appointing Kaitano Tembo and Paulus Masehe to oversee the remainder of the season.

2. Muhsin Ertugral – Cape Town City FC

Veteran coach Muhsin Ertugral’s return to Cape Town City proved short-lived. Appointed at the start of the year, he was shown the door in March 2025 following a dismal string of results that plunged the club into the lower half of the table. After initial success, including wins over big-name opponents, City’s form collapsed. The club handed over interim duties to Diogo Peral, with former players Lebogang Manyama and Roger de Sá also involved in the technical team.

3. Gavin Hunt – SuperSport United

SuperSport United parted ways with Gavin Hunt in March 2025 following a sharp decline in form. The seasoned tactician, known for his previous title-winning successes, could not arrest the team’s slide into relegation danger. Despite his vast experience and a reputation for building resilient squads, the club opted to seek a new direction.

4. Eric Tinkler – Cape Town City FC

Eric Tinkler’s long-standing association with Cape Town City ended on 31 December 2024. Although the club had invested heavily in the transfer market ahead of the 2024/25 season, poor performances on the pitch failed to match boardroom expectations. Tinkler’s exit came just before the turn of the year and marked the beginning of a coaching merry-go-round at the club. His sacking paved the way for Muhsin Ertugral’s second stint, which also ended in disappointment months later.

5. Dan Malesela – Marumo Gallants

Dan “Dance” Malesela was relieved of his duties by Marumo Gallants early in 2025 after a string of underwhelming results. Despite his commitment to expressive, local football and a strong personal following, Gallants opted for a results-driven approach. His dismissal underlined the brutal nature of the coaching landscape in the Premiership, where style is often sacrificed for survival. Malesela briefly resurfaced at Baroka FC, but his stint there was similarly short-lived.

A Season of Managerial Turbulence in the League

By the start of January 2025, nearly half of the top-flight clubs had already changed coaches. The level of instability within the Premiership reached unprecedented levels, with both seasoned campaigners and newly appointed managers being shown the door.

Names like Brandon Truter, Peter Hyballa, Sead Ramovic, Clinton Larsen, and Vusumuzi Vilakazi all fell victim to the unforgiving pressure cooker of PSL football. Even high-profile dismissals at clubs like Mamelodi Sundowns saw both Rulani Mokwena and Manqoba Mngqithi exit in quick succession.

Why Did So Many Coaches Fall?

The spike in dismissals this season paints a clear picture of the expectations in the local game. Clubs are demanding immediate results, often at the expense of long-term planning or development. The sacking of Seema while his team was in a strong league position, or Tinkler despite a well-funded squad, highlights the win-now culture. Additionally, the balance between giving local coaches time versus the perceived trust placed in foreign managers continues to spark debate within South African football circles.

A New Era or More of the Same?

As clubs regroup during pre-season, the coaching carousel may continue unless strong foundations are laid. Those who combine tactical brilliance with boardroom backing will be best placed to succeed in the country’s most competitive league. With so many top jobs up for grabs in recent months, the 2025/26 campaign could be defined not only by talent on the field, but by the resilience and direction shown on the touchline.

Also read: BREAKING: Orlando Pirates Appoint New Coach Ahead of 2025/26 Campaign