Secker confirmed as Matlama coach

Matlama Football Club has confirmed Thabile Secker as head coach after signing a new two-year contract, marking another major step in the club’s rebuilding project.

The announcement came on the back of a strong second half run by Matlama since Secker took the reigns. Following his appointment as interim coach in January 2026 after the departure of former head coach ShalaneLehlohla, the club has undergone a remarkable transformation both on and off the field.

Under Secker’s leadership, Matlama went 14 matches unbeaten in the Vodacom Premier League (VPL), recording 10 victories and four draws during an impressive spell that revived the club’s fortunes.

The outstanding run lifted Matlama into second place during that period and re-established the club as genuine contenders for domestic honours.

However, Matlama’s impressive campaign ended on a disappointing note after suffering a 1-0 defeat to league leaders Lijabatho FC on Saturday, a result that saw the club finish the season in third position.

Speaking in an interview, Matlama’s Public Relations Officer ThembaTalane said the club believes Secker’s leadership has been central to the team’s revival.

“The leadership of Secker on the touchline has played a major role in restoring confidence and discipline within the squad,” Talane said.

Talane also revealed that the club’s contract renewal plans extend beyond the coach and captain, confirming that several players have also committed their futures to the club as part of a long-term vision.

Among the players who have reportedly signed new deals are Rethabile Mokokoane, Tšepang Ntsenyane and Lebohang Chokolo, all of whom have played important roles in the club’s recent resurgence.

“We are very proud and happy as Matlama Football Club for securing these players and the coach because they continue to help improve the club. It is also a major achievement for the club in terms of ensuring long-term success and stability,” Talane added.

Secker is no stranger to success at Matlama. During the 2018/19 season, he guided the club to a memorable league title that ended a painful nine-year championship drought, a triumph that remains one of the club’s most celebrated achievements in recent history.

Despite delivering the championship, Secker unexpectedly left the club shortly afterwards, disappointing many supporters who believed he still had more to offer.

Years later, Matlama once again turned to the experienced tactician during a difficult period marked by inconsistent performances and growing pressure during the first half of the season.

At the time of his arrival in January, few predicted the dramatic turnaround that would follow. Players quickly responded to Secker’s methods, with the team showing improved organisation, defensive discipline, attacking confidence and greater intensity at training sessions. Morale within the dressing room also reportedly improved significantly.

It was against this backdrop that the club decided to officially appoint Secker as permanent head coach on a two-year contract.

In an exclusive interview, Secker expressed gratitude to the club’s management for placing trust in him and his technical team.

“I am very excited that I got this two-year contract and I am really happy that the management had trust in me and the technical team because we are still going to work together,” Secker said.

He credited the team’s turnaround to patience, repetition and adapting coaching methods to suit the youthful squad.

“What influenced our performance is the sessions we had and the quality we have because these are young players, so we had to come to their level and do many repetitions since some were really behind. We had to motivate them and show them that they can do this even though some were slow.”

The coach also acknowledged the contribution of experienced players who helped guide younger members of the squad.

“Some quality players were able to help the younger players move forward. Most of the players were really committed and everyone was pushing themselves,” he added.

Looking ahead to next season, Secker said the club’s focus will now shift towards strengthening key departments within the squad, particularly in defence, midfield and attack.

“We are working hard to find quality players in defence, midfield and the striking force. The biggest challenge will be finances because football has now become a livelihood for many people and players want to be paid,” he explained.

Despite the financial challenges, Secker insisted the club remains determined to continue progressing with the current technical team and management structure.

He also thanked supporters, management and the technical staff for their unwavering support throughout the season.

“I really received support from supporters, fans, management and the technical team. We are still going to work hard for Matlama to be successful forever,” he said.

After ending the season without silverware, Secker acknowledged that supporters expect trophies next season and promised that the club would work hard during pre-season to build a more competitive squad.

“This year there was no cup, so supporters and fans expect us to win. We are going to work hard by having a good pre-season and bringing in other players. Next season is going to be very competitive, but Matlama will also be competitive,” Secker concluded.

Seabata Mahao

Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.