‘Zim football is growing’-‘Yeye’ Letsholonyane impressed after brief FC Platinum stint
Revered SA coach Reneilwe ‘Yeye’ Letsholonyane has given a glowing assessment of Zimbabwe Premier League football following his brief spell at FC Platinum under Thabo Senong.
The former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana midfield maestro left FC Platinum at the end of September after less than two months with the four-time Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions.
Letsholonyane had joined FC Platinum as an assistant coach under his countryman Senong, but opted to leave after receiving an offer from Botswana Premier League giants Mochudi Centre Chiefs.
Despite his short stay, the man popularly known as ‘Yeye’ in South African football circles says he was impressed by how much the local game has grown, compared to how it had been portrayed in the past.
IT WAS A FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE SAYS RENEILWE LETSHOLONYANE
Reneilwe Letsholonyane set to assist Thabo Senong. Picture by Matebele FC
He told Fanzone that the Zimbabwean top-flight is now more competitive and intense than what he had observed in the past, and says the league is on the right track to catch up with the Betway Premiership.
“It was a fantastic experience working under Coach Thabo. I learned a lot from him, he is a very experienced coach who understands the game. He helped me a lot and I really appreciate the guidance and support he gave me during my time there,” Letsholonyane told Fanzone.
“Zimbabwean football is really growing, it is very competitive and there is so much talent there. The league is getting stronger every season.
“At the rate that it is going, if they can continue on this path and get the right support, I have no doubt they will be amongst the top leagues in the COSAFA region, and who knows, even beyond that on the continent.”
Letsholonyane said his decision to join Mochudi Centre Chiefs was driven by ambition. He viewed Mochudi Centre Chiefs, who have invested heavily ahead of the new season, as a bigger platform that will allow him to grow in his role as a head coach.
Letsholonyane, however, says he remains open to coaching in Zimbabwe again in the future, describing his stint at FC Platinum as an eye-opener.
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