Reneilwe Letsholonyane Set for Special Coaching Debut in Botswana

Reneilwe Letsholonyane is preparing for a unique moment in his new coaching career. The former Bafana Bafana midfielder will lead Matebele FC in his first Botswana Premier League match this weekend, and his debut comes against a familiar face.

Matebele will face Black Lions on Saturday, a side coached by Owen da Gama. For Letsholonyane, this fixture carries personal significance. Da Gama coached him both at the South African national team and later at Highlands Park. Facing him as an opponent in his first league game as head coach is a moment he describes as special.

“I will be coming up against Owen da Gama. It’s a very special one. It’s special because coach Owen coached me in the national team and he coached me at Highlands Park. Now I will be against him on the bench in a foreign country and I can say that it’s special for me. It will be an interesting and exciting one for me,” Letsholonyane told Soccer Laduma.

Letsholonyane, who signed a two-year deal with Matebele, is tasked with guiding the club to stability and progress. After three matches, Matebele sit in 10th place on the league table, but they registered their first victory of the season in their previous outing. The win has provided a boost as they look to climb the standings under their new coach.

The 41-year-old has made it clear that he wants to bring ambition and competitiveness to the club. “The plan is to finish in the top eight this season and maybe push the limits in the cup, like going to the semi-final or maybe even win it. It’s about pushing the limits. I don’t like being modest and to just add numbers and whatnot. I don’t like that. The truth is, we play football to win matches and win trophies,” he said.

Letsholonyane’s move into coaching follows the path of many former professionals who have transitioned to the dugout. South Africa has seen similar stories, such as Daine Klate’s early coaching journey where he faced Gavin Hunt, the same coach who guided him to four league titles as a player.

For Letsholonyane, this first test is not only about securing points for Matebele but also about measuring himself against an experienced mentor in Da Gama. The encounter promises to be both a learning experience and a milestone as he begins a new chapter in his football career.