Sekhukhune United look set to appoint a replacement for Thabo Senong, who left in October to join Tanzanian side Singida Fountain Gate.
Thabo Senong moved with Ernst Middendorp and remained at the club when the German dumped them just two weeks into his tenure.
Since then, Babina Noko have not had anyone fill the position he held at the club, and it looks like they have identified the right man.
Former Mamelodi Sundowns assistant coach Alex ‘Barnes’ Bapela will be the club’s new head of youth development, replacing Senong. Bapela’s departure from Mamelodi Sundowns was shrouded in controversy. After assisting coach Pitso Mosimane in clinching the league title in the 2013/14 season, he unexpectedly left the club.
His exit followed a disciplinary hearing triggered by grievances he voiced against the club’s management. This resulted in his demotion to coach the MultiChoice Diski Challenge (MDC) team for the next season before his eventual departure. Bapela’s coaching stint at Baberwa in the ABC Motsepe League was short-lived, as he left football to focus on farming.
WHY SEKHUKHUNE UNITED ARE BRINGING IN ALEX BAPELA
Bapela has been with Dondol Stars since the start of the season, and he has a wealth of experience working with young players. Bapela’s appointment is a sign of Sekhukhune United’s commitment to developing young players.
The club has made it a priority to develop youngsters, and Bapela is expected to drive that vision.
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“The club is delighted to bring in Alex Bapela as the new head of youth development,” said a Sekhukhune source. “He is a highly experienced coach who has a proven track record of success with young players. They are confident that he will be able to take the youth development program to the next level.”
Bapela is also said to be looking forward to his new challenge. He believes Sekhukhune United is a club with a lot of potential. His appointment is a positive development for Sekhukhune United. The club is one of the most promising in the DStv Premiership. Bapela’s experience and expertise will be invaluable as they look to develop the next generation of stars. It is expected that Bapela will start his new role in January 2024.