The old saying “the more things change, the more they stay the same” perfectly captures South African football’s predictable coaching carousel.
When patterns repeat consistently, they’re no longer coincidences – they’re deliberate strategies.
Yes, we know that strange things happen in football, and personally, I don’t believe in coincidences.
Some of these things are carefully planned and executed properly. It is all about timing. But again, we have seen this script before. It is the same modus operandi, just a different cast.
Two weeks ago, Sekhukhune United appointed Walter Steenbok as director of football strategy, tasked with overseeing football strategy, playing philosophy, talent development and scouting.
This role differs little from a technical director position, but the appointment’s timing revealed its true purpose.
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Anyone familiar with football politics knew exactly what Steenbok’s appointment meant: Eric Tinkler’s days were numbered.
The appointment of Walter Steenbok as Sekhukhune United’s director of football strategy was Eric Tinkler’s death knell – a predictable script that South African football clubs follow religiously.
The coach had struggled with five consecutive league games without victory, making him vulnerable despite the team’s decent league position.
Personally, I believe the writing was on the wall for Tinkler, and it was just a matter of how long he would survive the chop.
I’m sure he was smart enough to smell the coffee afar as the signs were very clear that his days were numbered, particularly after the appointment of Steenbok.
Well, football is about results and meeting the set targets, and one thing that club bosses don’t have is patience and trust in the process.
Tinkler’s dismissal surprised no one who understood the script.
Historically, appointing a technical director or director of football signals the beginning of the end for the incumbent coach.
Sekhukhune simply followed this well-established pattern.
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The club’s stated mandate was clear: finish in the top third of the league and win at least one trophy.
Tinkler failed to deliver any silverware, losing in the MTN8, Carling Cup and Nedbank Cup.
While Sekhukhune remained in contention for a top-three league finish with six games remaining, this wasn’t enough to save him.
This scenario has played out repeatedly across South African football. Clubs appoint technical directors, then dismiss coaches shortly afterwards.
The only deviation this time was that Steenbok wasn’t immediately elevated to head coach – instead, Paulus Masehe was appointed as interim coach, assisted by former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Andre Arendse.
But that is the nature of football worldwide, as only results can prolong one’s stay.
Tinkler had his chances but failed to deliver when it mattered most. He was given a long rope to hang himself, and unfortunately, he has no one but himself to blame for failing to achieve what the club sought to.
Sekhukhune’s history reinforces this pattern.
Last season, they dismissed Lehlohonolo Seema despite the team sitting fourth on the log and reaching the last 16 of the Nedbank Cup.
This raises questions about whether performance alone drives these decisions.
Was there genuine urgency to dismiss Tinkler with only six games remaining and a realistic chance of achieving one mandate?
The timing suggests factors beyond just performance may have influenced the decision.
READ: Tim Spirit | Sekhukhune owe us an explanation for coach Seema's sudden exit
Football is results-driven, and club executives rarely show patience when targets aren’t met.
However, the consistent pattern of appointing directors followed by coaching changes indicates a more calculated approach than clubs typically admit.
Sometimes one wonders if it’s only about performance on the field or something more than that.
I get a feeling that some club bosses use “poor performance” as an excuse to get rid of coaches.
While clubs cite poor performance as justification, the predictable nature of these moves suggests deeper strategic considerations.
Until club bosses provide transparent explanations for their decisions, supporters will continue to question whether performance alone drives coaching changes.
The script remains unchanged: new director appointed, coach dismissed, cycle repeats. In South African football, this pattern has become as predictable as the sunrise.
- Follow me on X @TimSpiritMolobi
