Larsen Emerges As Top Target For Siwelele After Lafitte Talks Stall
Sportswire can exclusively reveal that veteran coach Clinton Larsen is being linked with the head coaching role at Siwelele after the club backtracked on appointing Alexandre Lafitte.
Sportswire previously reported that Lafitte had agreed to terms to replace former head coach Lehlohonolo Seema. However, the deal collapsed despite Lafitte traveling to Bloemfontein for interview talks.
Following the failed negotiations, Siwelele turned to DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) coach Godfrey Mosoetsa to lead the senior team on an interim basis. Since Seema’s departure, Mosoetsa has managed three matches—recording one victory, one draw, and one defeat, with the win coming against Polokwane City in their most recent outing.
While reports suggested that Siwelele management was eager for Mosoetsa to remain at the helm, his primary responsibility remains with the club’s reserve side in the DDC.
Should Siwelele finalize a deal for Larsen, it would mark a homecoming for the Durban-born tactician in Bloemfontein.
Larsen previously enjoyed two spells at Bloemfontein Celtic. His first stint ran from 2010 to 2013, highlighted by a 2012/13 Carling Knockout Cup triumph over Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
He later returned to lead the club between December 2014 and December 2015.
Larsen, who also managed Venda Football Club in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, enjoyed a remarkable run with Magesi FC. He guided the Limpopo outfit to top-flight promotion at the end of the 2023/24 season before leading them to a sensational Carling Knockout Cup victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in Bloemfontein during their debut Premiership campaign.
However, he unexpectedly resigned live on television in December 2024.
The 55-year-old former fullback—who won the inaugural Premier Soccer League title with Manning Rangers in the 1996/97 season—boasts vast domestic experience. His extensive managerial resume includes stints at Roses United, Maritzburg United (now Durban City), Chippa United, Golden Arrows, Polokwane City, and ABC Motsepe League side Summerfield Dynamos.
If Siwelele accelerates talks to secure Larsen’s signature, he could take charge from the dugout when they visit Marumo Gallants at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on 30 October.
