Former Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper John Tlale has been appointed head coach of National First Division Sivutsa Stars, while Maritzburg United midfielder Ayanda Ndlovo and Black Leopards goalkeeper Azwindini Maphaha are other additions to the Nelspruit-based club.

Stars’ official Charles Nkosi confirmed to Soccer-Laduma that Tlale will be taking his first training session on Thursday morning, and is going to double up as both the head and keeper coach.

“That’s a plus for us,” Nkosi said. “We have an objective to go to the PSL like Mpumalanga Black Aces. Tlale is going to assess the players already on our books then make his recommendations. Our chairman Derek Khoza has been signing players.”

While McDonald Makhubedu, who has been doing most of the pre-season work, must be somewhat disappointed at being ‘demoted’ to the role of assistant coach, Nkosi has praised his faithfulness.

“The move was forthcoming,” he concluded. “But we value Makhubedu’s support. He always sticks with us whenever there’s a crisis. Now he must be patient and learn from Tlale.”