Ovella Ochieng's Richards Bay welcomes new coach Kaitano Tembo

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STARS ABROAD Ovella Ochieng's Richards Bay welcomes new coach Kaitano Tembo

Festus Chuma 10:15 - 08.07.2023

The announcement of Kaitano Tembo as the head coach has sparked optimism among the players and fans alike.

South Africa Premier Soccer League side Richards Bay Football Club has confirmed the appointment of Kaitano Tembo as their new head coach.

The news comes just days after the club began their pre-season training, with Kenyan midfielder Ovella Ochieng joining the rest of the squad early this week. 

Kaitano Tembo, a familiar face in South African football, has been entrusted with the responsibility of leading Richards Bay on their footballing journey. 

The club's official statement read, "Richards Bay Football Club would like to confirm the appointment of Kaitano Tembo as the new head coach." 

Tembo brings a wealth of experience from his time with South Africa Premiership clubs, including SuperSport United Football Club and Sekhukhune United Football Club.

Tembo's arrival follows the departure of former coach Vasili Manousakis and his technical team, Pitso Dladla and Ronnie Gabriel. The trio parted ways with Richards Bay due to a disappointing end to the previous season. 

Although the club had an impressive start, maintaining a top three position in the league standings during the first half of the campaign, their performance faltered in the second half, necessitating a change in leadership.

The Rich Boys narrowly avoided relegation, finishing the season in 13th place with 33 points, a mere four points above the relegated Marumo Gallants. 

With the aim of rejuvenating the team and bringing stability, the management decided to bring in Tembo, who is renowned for his tactical acumen and ability to develop young players.

Ovella Ochieng, a talented midfielder, joined Richards Bay in December 2022 after leaving the Botswana side Township Rollers. 

The former Kariobangi Sharks star had previously showcased his skills during his stints in Sweden with Vassalund between 2018 and 2021, earning recognition as a talented forward. 

Following his time in Sweden, he returned to South Africa and briefly played for Marumo Gallants in the PSL before rejoining Township Rollers.

With the arrival of Kaitano Tembo, Ovella Ochieng and the rest of the squad will be eager to kickstart the upcoming season on a positive note.

Richards Bay, with their strong youth contingent, are an ambitious team aiming to make a mark in South African football. The new coach's experience and strategic approach are expected to inject fresh energy and unlock the team's potential.

The combination of Tembo's coaching expertise and Ovella Ochieng's dynamic playing style could prove to be the winning formula that propels the club to greater heights.