Smiso Msomi
In what has become a normality in the PSL this season, Sekhukhune United head coach Peter Hyballa has parted ways with the club without even sitting on the bench.
The club announced the German tactician’s decision on Saturday evening following their MTN8 quarter-final defeat to Cape Town City, and is reportedly lining up former coach Lehlohonolo Seema to return as head coach.
Hyballa did not take charge of that match at the Peter Mokaba Stadium and instead watched on from the stands, according to the stand-in coach on the day, McDonald Makhubedu.
The apparently fiery coach had been embroiled in huge controversy in the week leading up to their first match of the season even though he fulfilled media duties on Monday.
Hyballa is said to have rubbed both players and staff members the wrong way in the five weeks he has been with the club, with suggestions of racial tensions also emerging from the Limpopo-based side. It was expected the club would make a call on his future before their MTN8 clash but rather made that announcement after the match.
“The coach has just submitted his letter of resignation, citing pressing matters of a personal nature,” reads the club statement.
“The club has accepted his letter and wishes him well in his future endeavours. Meanwhile, Mcdonald Makhubedu will fill the position of head coach in an acting capacity until further notice.”
Despite reports of Hyballa’s exit circling prior to the match, these latest developments do come as a slight surprise considering Makhubedu cited work permit issues for Hyballa’s non-involvement and not a possible breakdown in trust.
According to several reports, another reason for Sekhukhune’s decision to part ways with the coach was an apparent involvement in a sex scandal.
Hyballa’s reputation has been marred by short spells throughout his career, having been with Dutch club NAC Breda, Polish side Wisła Kraków and Danish outfit Esbjerg fB where he was dismissed after conflicts with management amid physical and mental abuse allegations.
He now becomes the fourth coaching change in the Betway Premiership, with just four games of the 2024/25 season played.
He follows Dylan Kerr and Vusumuzi Vilakazi, who also departed Marumo Gallants and Richards Bay FC, respectively, while Steve Komphela left Golden Arrows for Mamelodi Sundowns.
Babina Noko are said to have finalised their next appointment, with Seema set to return to the hot-seat despite his shock sacking last season. The 44-year-old former Orlando Pirates captain all but secured Sekhukhune’s top-eight spot as he walked away when they were still in third place, having taken over with the club in 14th place.