After firing the whole squad and the management team two weeks ago, the managing director of Rospa United FC, Mr Joseph Mutavhatsindi, has appointed the former coach of Vhembe FC, Mr Eric Mabasa, as the team’s head coach.

Mutavhatsindi said that his decision to dismiss everybody came after he realised that there was no way the team was going to escape relegation at the end of the next season, which is scheduled to start in two weeks' time. In an interview with Mabasa, he indicated that he had already assembled a squad that was ready to stand the test of time.

Mabasa’s squad was put to the test during the Sekhukhune Soccer Challenge at the Mphahlele sports grounds three days after he took over as the team’s head coach. Rospa United beat Magezi FC 2-0 in the semifinal and lost 1-2 to Baroka FC in the final.

Rospa United lost 2-4 to Nobela All Stars in their rehearsal match at the Musina Lesley Manyathela Stadium last Sunday. The winner was determined by penalty shoot-out, after a full-time goalless draw.

Mabasa said he was impressed with the results, considering the fact that their three strikers, Mashudu Mashapha, Kulani Mathebula and Sydney Matsakale, had not been part of the team, due to personal commitments.

Mabasa’s coaching history speaks volumes. He coached several teams, including Tshiovhani Airline, Davhana Shooting Stars, Tshivhulana Real Aces, Diarora FC and Vhembe FC between 1992 and 2009. He also worked as the head coach of the Vuwani U/17 squad in 1992.

He is equipped with a SAFA introductory course certificate, SAFA Level 1 certificate, FiFA level 1 coaching certificate and a Sports Management certificate, which he obtained from the University of Venda.