History-maker coach Stan Nkoane has left Marumo Gallants to take over at Venda Football Academy.

Nkoane was in charge of Gallants’ DStv Diski Challenge team, but Sportswire was informed that several clubs in the Motsepe Foundation Championship were interested in him. These clubs were primarily based in Limpopo, such as Baroka and VFA, with the latter ultimately securing his signature.

Nkoane, who previously coached Baroka, takes over at VFA, currently languishing at the bottom of the table with nine points from 14 matches in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. They have recorded only two victories, suffered nine defeats, and conceded a staggering 22 goals while scoring 11.

This will be a significant challenge for Nkoane to lift VFA out of the relegation zone, but he is confident in his ability to turn the club’s fortunes around. His first test will come when VFA faces Black Leopards away at Thohoyandou Stadium on 11 January.

Nkoane, who also had a stint with Sekhukhune United, holds a unique record in South African club football. He guided Vaal University of Technology (VUT) to a memorable victory in the Nedbank Cup during the 2019/20 season. In the first round, VUT defeated Steve Komphela’s Golden Arrows on penalties, becoming the first fourth-tier side to overcome a top-flight PSL team in the competition.

Although they were ultimately defeated by Mamelodi Sundowns, who went on to win the competition under legendary coach Pitso Mosimane’s final season with the club, Nkoane’s achievement remains a significant milestone.