Kwanele Kopo Set to Take Over as University of Pretoria Head Coach for 2025/26 Season

The University of Pretoria FC, popularly known as Tuks, is on the verge of announcing Kwanele Kopo as their new head coach ahead of the upcoming 2025/26 Motsepe Foundation Championship season. This follows the club’s recent decision to part ways with Tlisane Motaung, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Tshwane-based outfit.

Tuks had been actively searching for a new tactician over the past few weeks, conducting interviews with several candidates. Sources close to the club now reveal that Kopo has emerged as the leading choice, with internal discussions suggesting that the deal is all but finalized.

“The club has interviewed a few coaches, and they’ve already made their decision. Kopo is set to take over as the new head coach in the new season,” said one source familiar with the club’s plans.

Kopo, who previously had stints with Pretoria Callies and Chippa United, has been out of a job since December 2024. After parting ways with Chippa United, he expressed a desire to seek a fresh challenge, and it seems he has now found the perfect opportunity with Tuks.

Notably, Kopo also brings experience from his time as an assistant to renowned coach Pitso Mosimane, adding valuable technical knowledge and tactical acumen to his resume. According to insiders, the coach is already preparing for pre-season activities and is expected to hit the ground running once officially unveiled.

The University of Pretoria finished 10th in the previous season and will be aiming for a stronger campaign this time around, with promotion back to the top-flight DStv Premiership being the ultimate goal. With a proven track record of working with young players and rebuilding squads, Kopo is seen as the right figure to steer the team towards that ambition.

In addition to the head coaching change, Tuks also recently parted ways with Sammy Troughton, opening the door for Kopo to recommend his own technical team as he reshapes the club’s backroom staff.

With pre-season just around the corner, an official announcement from the club is expected in the coming days, as supporters eagerly await confirmation of Kopo’s appointment and his plans for the 2025/26 season.