Kaitano Tembo: Richards Bay FC Sack Experienced Head Coach Amid Struggling Season

• Coach Kaitano Tembo was sacked on Christmas Day
• Richards Bay FC is currently fighting relegation in the PSL
• Vusi Vilakazi takes over in an interim role as the club restrategizes

Struggling to stay off relegation, Richards Bay Football Club, based in KwaZulu-Natal, has decided to part ways with head coach Kaitano Tembo.

In a move announced on Christmas Day 2023, the club, owned by Sifiso "Jomo" Biyela, revealed that former Lamontville Golden Arrows mentor Vusi Vilakazi will step in as the head coach until further notice.

The club expressed gratitude for Tembo's contributions during the current season and wished him success in his future endeavours.

“Richards Bay Football Club would like to announce the release of the Head Coach, Mr. Kaitano Tembo, with immediate effect,” the club said, as reported by IDiski Times.

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Tembo, who joined the Premier Soccer League (PSL) outfit at the start of the 2023/24 season, faced challenges as the team struggled to secure positive results under his guidance.

Despite guiding the Natal Rich Boyz to their maiden Telkom Knockout semi-final against Stellenbosch FC, the team suffered a 3-0 defeat. Recent poor performances, including a 2-1 loss to Chippa United and a 1-0 defeat to Kaizer Chiefs, further contributed to Tembo's decision to part ways.

The match against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium seemed to be a turning point, with Richards Bay FC currently positioned in 15th place on the PSL log, dangerously close to the relegation zone.

‘The Club would like to thank the coach for his contribution during this season. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours. Senior Coach Mr. Vusi Vilakazi will take over the first team until further notice," the statement read as reported by News 24.

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Tembo, a 53-year-old Zimbabwe-born coach, had taken over from Vasili Manousakis earlier in the season. Manousakis and his assistants Simo Dladla and Ronnie Gabriel were relieved of duties due to poor results in the debut season.

Tembo is known for his coaching stints with Sekhukhune United and SuperSport United, where he won the MTN8 in 2019.

Tembo sacked at SuperSport United

Sports Brief reported in April 2022 that after disappointing results, Tembo and SuperSport United parted ways by mutual agreement.

The team had won just two of their last 10 DStv Premiership fixtures and were knocked out of the Nedbank Cup by TTM.

Tembo had been at the club for the past 23 years, first as a player and then as an assistant.