Venda FC has signaled its ambition for the upcoming Motsepe Foundation Championship by unveiling 13 fresh signings in a major squad overhaul.
Under the guidance of head coach Clinton Larsen, the Limpopo outfit is determined to turn the page after narrowly escaping relegation last season.
The club hopes this strategic rebuild will lay the foundation for a more consistent and competitive campaign.
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New Faces and a New Coach
Leading this ambitious project is newly appointed head coach Clinton Larsen, who joins the club after successfully guiding Magesi FC to promotion last season.
Larsen will be assisted by local tactician Solly Luvhengo, and the duo was formally introduced alongside the new squad at a presentation at Madi a Thavha Mountain Lodge.
Among the new faces are several experienced players who are expected to make an immediate impact. The most notable signings include former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Chris Matombo and ex-Maritzburg United and Magesi winger Deolin Mekoa.
The full list of new arrivals also features:
Selvyn Jacobs
Tebogo Makobela
Gregory Demons
Thato Lingwati
Sibongiseni Ngcobo
Anathi Ngwadla
Neo Ntombela
Rendani Ramakgapola
Motebang Sera
Unarine Kudzingana
Joseph Mazibuko
Larsen Believes in the Underdog Advantage
Venda FC’s new journey begins with a tough away fixture against recently relegated Cape Town City FC at Athlone Stadium on Friday, August 22. While expectations from the outside remain low, Larsen sees this as a positive.
“This league is always competitive, and I prefer working quietly without much attention,” Larsen told FarPost.
He believes that Venda can emulate his previous success by flying under the radar. “Last season everyone spoke about the so-called big teams, and we managed to surprise a few. The same can happen here.”
Larsen’s goal is simple: to build a side that can compete and prove they deserve to be in the professional ranks.
With the focus of the league likely to be on other big-name clubs like Cape Town City, Baroka FC, and Black Leopards, Venda will be looking to use their underdog status to their advantage.
Supporters will be optimistic that this new wave of talent and the experience of their new coach will finally deliver a turnaround for the club.