Siwelele FC shake-up: CEO and assistant coach out, replacements named

Bloemfontein-based side Siwelele FC has announced a major leadership change, with CEO Stan Matthews and assistant coach Andre Arendse no longer with the club. Their departure comes amid a disastrous start to the new season, which has seen the team win just one of their seven matches.

Matthews and Arendse, who joined Siwelele when the club acquired the status of SuperSport United, have been replaced by Lerato Kholoanyane as the new CEO and former Bloemfontein Celtic and Orlando Pirates defender Willem Jackson as the new assistant coach.

The decision was confirmed by Siwelele chairman Calvin Le John, who addressed fans on the club’s social media platforms on Sunday. Le John stated that the leadership change was a difficult but necessary step. While he praised both Matthews and Arendse for their work, he cited daily threats against them as a key reason for the separation.

SIWELELE FC CHAIRMAN BREAKS SILENCE ON CEO, ASSISTANT COACH EXIT

🚨Announcement from the Chairman Calvin Le John✊🤍💚🖤 pic.twitter.com/NfE9PfWftm

— Siwelele Football Club (@Siwelele_FC) September 21, 2025

In his statement, Le John also revealed that the club would be terminating the contracts of players who have not shown “the heart and the willingness to fight for this team,” signalling that more changes could be on the horizon.

He also defended the club’s financial policies, including a strict travel budget, stating that they must prioritise their financial stability.

The move marks a significant shift for Siwelele FC as they look to turn around their fortunes and salvage what’s left of the season.

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