Sportswire has learned that a businessman from the Sekhukhune region in Limpopo has purchased the status of JDR Stars in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

The club has also appointed former Baroka FC and Venda coach Stan Nkoane as its head coach for next season. This entire transaction is expected to be publicly announced in the coming days.

“Everything has been agreed, with JDR Stars selling its status, and Nkoane will be their coach,” a source revealed. Nkoane, who is leaving Venda FC, is said to have turned down offers from both the University of Pretoria and Baroka for this new project.

The news of JDR Stars’ sale is not surprising, given the club’s repeated attempts to gain promotion and consistently falling short of the playoffs. While there have been past rumors of JDR being in the market, which the club previously denied without any materialization, a source close to Sportswire confirms the sale of JDR Stars’ status to an undisclosed businessman from Sekhukhune.

Details are still in their early stages, and it’s unclear whether the club will relocate to Limpopo or remain in Gauteng, continuing to play matches at Giant Stadium in Pretoria, their traditional home venue. A potential name change for the club also remains unconfirmed.

This past season, JDR Stars finished seventh in the Motsepe Foundation Championship table with 43 points from 30 matches. Sportswire attempted to contact JDR Stars chairman Nditsheni Nemasisi for more information, but he was unavailable for comment.

Nkoane’s Proven Track Record

The new man in charge of JDR Stars, Stan Nkoane, brings a strong reputation. He previously helped Sekhukhune United gain PSL promotion in the 2020/21 season as assistant coach to McDonald Makhubedu. After leaving Sekhukhune to pursue a head coaching career, Nkoane successfully saved Baroka, Marumo Gallants, and Venda FC from relegation from the Motsepe Foundation Championship in past seasons.

Furthermore, Nkoane 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, making them the first fourth-tier (SAB League) 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 in his final season with the club, Nkoane’s achievement remains a significant milestone.