Ovella Ochieng's former team parts ways with Tembo due to relegation struggles and inconsistency.
Christmas is traditionally a time for joy, family, and festivities, but for Kaitano Tembo, the former coach of Richards Bay FC, this December 25th brought an unexpected and rather unwelcome gift from his club.
While many were unwrapping presents under the tree, Tembo found himself unwrapping a notice of dismissal from Richards Bay, turning his holiday season into a somber affair.
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At the heart of Tembo's downfall was his inability to steer Richards Bay FC out of the relegation zone.
With just four wins from 18 games in the first half of the season, the club's management made the tough decision to part ways with the coach on Christmas Day.
For Ovella Ochieng, the Kenyan midfielder who once graced the Richards Bay FC jersey, this news might carry mixed emotions.
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Ovella's tenure with the club came to an end in July, under Tembo's leadership, when he was axed from the team.
It marked a turning point in the talented midfielder's career, as he bid farewell to a club where he had showcased his skills after joining in December 2022.
During his time at Richards Bay, Ovella Ochieng had made a significant impact. His journey to South Africa had begun after leaving the Botswana side Township Rollers.
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Prior to that, Ovella had made a name for himself during stints in Sweden with Vassalund from 2018 to 2021, where he earned recognition as a talented forward.
Kaitano Tembo's tenure at Richards Bay FC was marred by inconsistency.
Under his guidance, the 'Natal Rich Boyz' secured only four victories, suffered a staggering ten defeats, and managed a mere four draws.
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This underwhelming performance left the team languishing in 15th place on the DStv Premiership log.
"Richards Bay Football Club would like to announce the release of the Head Coach, Mr. Kaitano Tembo, with immediate effect," stated the club in an official announcement.
Richards Bay currently sits six points above Cape Town Spurs, who occupy the bottom spot in the league standings with just one win in 15 outings.
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Tembo, who had taken over as head coach at the start of the 2023/24 season, managed his last game for the club on Saturday, with Richards Bay losing 1-0 to Kaizer Chiefs in a league clash at FNB Stadium.
One notable highlight of Tembo's tenure was guiding Richards Bay to the semi-finals of the Carling Knockout Cup. Unfortunately, they faced a 3-0 defeat to Stellenbosch FC in that competition.
In response to Tembo's departure, Richards Bay announced the appointment of Vusimuzi Vilakazi as the interim coach.
"Senior Coach Mr. Vusi Vilakazi will take over the first team until further notice," the club confirmed.
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As the curtains fall on Kaitano Tembo's tenure at Richards Bay FC, the club and its fans will look ahead to a new chapter under Vilakazi's guidance.
For Ovella Ochieng, who once wore the blue and white stripes of Richards Bay, this news marks a significant change in the club's direction.
Whether it will affect his own career remains to be seen, but it is undoubtedly a chapter in the ongoing football saga of the talented Kenyan midfielder.
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