Why Kaizer Chiefs legend chose Zimbabwe over Botswana
· The South African
Former Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane has explained why he chose to continue his coaching journey in Zimbabwe after impressing in Botswana.
Letsholonyane joined Zimbabwean Premier Soccer League side FC Platinum as assistant coach to Thabo Senong.
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The move comes after the 44-year-old spent last season in charge of Botswana Premier League side Matebele FC, where he helped the youthful team retain its top-flight status.
His work in Botswana also earned him a nomination for the league’s Coach of the Season award, while several clubs reportedly showed interest in securing his services.
Why Letsholonyane chose Zimbabwe
Despite attracting interest from Botswana, Letsholonyane decided to take up the opportunity at FC Platinum.
The former Kaizer Chiefs star said the move was motivated by his desire to gain international coaching experience and continue developing his career outside South Africa.
“As a young, growing and aspiring coach, I was coaching in my country before and last season I was in Botswana. It has always been my interest to get experience,” Letsholonyane said, as quoted by FarPost.
“Zimbabwe and FC Platinum presented an opportunity, together with my head coach Senong, to come in. As part of my journey to get international experience, I saw it fit to come and grow my career as a coach.”
From Botswana to FC Platinum in Zimbabwe
Letsholonyane’s move to Zimbabwe represents another important step in a coaching career that has already taken him beyond South Africa’s borders.
His spell at Matebele FC gave him an opportunity to work as a head coach in a competitive league and demonstrate his ability to develop young players.
The former Bafana Bafana international has yet to take charge of a Betway Premiership club but previously coached AmaZulu’s reserve side in the DStv Diski Challenge.
His CAF A coaching licence has also positioned him to continue pursuing opportunities at a higher level.
Why FC Platinum appealed to Letsholonyane
The opportunity to work alongside Senong appears to have been an important factor in Letsholonyane’s decision.
The pair joined FC Platinum last month, although they had to wait more than three weeks before officially beginning their duties while their work permits were being processed.
For Letsholonyane, however, the move is about more than simply joining a new club.
He sees his time in Zimbabwe as part of a longer-term process of learning, gaining experience and becoming a better coach.
“For sure, I think we are in the right direction. There are always generations that take over, and we are on the right track. It’s just a matter of time,” he said.
Letsholonyane’s coaching journey to Zimbabwe
Letsholonyane enjoyed a distinguished playing career before moving into coaching.
The midfielder represented Kaizer Chiefs and earned international recognition with Bafana Bafana, making him one of the more recognisable South African football figures to enter Zimbabwe’s top-flight coaching setup.
His move to FC Platinum now gives him the opportunity to build an international coaching profile while working alongside Senong.
Rather than immediately pursuing a head coaching position in South Africa, Letsholonyane has opted to gain experience in neighbouring countries.
His journey has already taken him from South Africa to Botswana and now Zimbabwe, with the former midfielder insisting that continued learning remains central to his development.
“We cannot compare ourselves with Europe. They have their own timing. With us, we are getting there slowly but surely,” Letsholonyane said, according to FarPost.
For FC Platinum, his arrival adds the experience of a former Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs player to the technical team. For Letsholonyane, the Zimbabwe move represents another opportunity to build towards his ultimate ambitions as a coach.