Co-coach Duncan Lechesa has officially resigned from his role at Polokwane City, as reported by iDiski Times.
Lechesa, who had been sharing the coaching duties with Phuti Mohafe, played a pivotal role in guiding the team to PSL top-flight promotion by clinching the Motsepe Foundation Championship title last season.
However, the seasoned coach’s health has taken a toll, with him notably absent from several matches towards the end of the previous campaign. He has also been conspicuously absent from the dugout during all seven DStv Premiership matches this season.
To address this void, Polokwane City appointed the experienced Lehlohonolo Seema, formerly of Golden Arrows and Chippa United, to lead the team this season. Nonetheless, Lechesa’s absence persisted, and he was unable to contribute from the sidelines.
Speculation had been rife about Lechesa’s future, with rumours linking him to the vacant coaching position at Baroka after their recent parting of ways with Stanford Nkoane. Baroka had struggled to secure a win in their opening five league matches, prompting a search for a new leader.
Lechesa’s presence in the stands during Baroka’s 1-1 draw with Casric Stars at Solomon Mahlangu on Friday, which turned out to be Nkoane’s final game in charge, intensified the speculations regarding his potential candidacy for the role.
However, it appears that Baroka have explored other options and are considering Dan Malesela as a potential candidate for the coaching position. This leaves Lechesa’s future in uncertainty, though his reputation and experience make him an attractive prospect for any club in search of a coach.
Lechesa, 47, boasts an extensive coaching history, having previously managed teams such as Royal Eagles, Garankuwa United, and Roses United. His impressive track record includes securing top-flight promotion three times, once as a player with Ea Lia Koto during the 2006/07 season and twice as a coach with Polokwane City.