The Betway Premiership currently features 17 top-flight coaches guiding the 16 teams, a number inflated by the co-coaching setup at Kaizer Chiefs. This season has already witnessed several high-profile casualties, with Kaizer Chiefs and Chippa United making multiple changes....Click to Read More >>➤

The league’s five most experienced coaches offer a fascinating look at longevity and success in South African football.

Gavin Hunt Tops the Experience Chart

Gavin Hunt stands alone at the pinnacle of coaching experience. The 61-year-old is setting new record-breaking milestones in his 28th consecutive season in the domestic game. His current role at Durban City marks his ninth different club since winning promotion with Seven Stars in 1998.

His career statistics are a testament to his enduring presence: 1,014 games played, 421 wins, 292 draws, and 301 losses. Hunt’s four league titles are a record only bettered by Pitso Mosimane’s five. The former Hellenic and Cape Town Spurs fullback also enjoyed a two-decade professional playing career before his legendary coaching journey began.

Eric Tinkler’s Steady Climb

Eric Tinkler has built a reputation as a steady and successful manager. He holds the unique distinction of being the only player from the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad currently coaching a top-flight team. Now 55, Tinkler began his coaching career as a caretaker at Wits University and Orlando Pirates.

His managerial record shows 377 games, with 149 wins, 113 draws, and 115 losses. Tinkler has achieved notable success with Cape Town City and SuperSport United. He now leads Sekhukhune United, who have positioned themselves among the early season leaders under his guidance.

A Look at Other Sideline Veterans

Manqoba Mngqithi brings considerable experience back to Golden Arrows, the club where his coaching career started in 2006. The 54-year-old, a former high school teacher, has managed 344 games, securing 149 wins, 96 draws, and 99 losses. He enhanced his reputation with Mamelodi Sundowns, winning three championships and three cups before his return to Arrows. Mngqithi also holds the unfortunate record of being the first coach sacked in two consecutive seasons.

Steve Barker has carved his own path in South African football. The 57-year-old coached both the University of Pretoria and Stellenbosch to promotion, though a big-money move to AmaZulu in 2015 ended with relegation within months. His record stands at 335 games, 116 wins, 109 draws, and 109 losses. His success at Stellenbosch marks him as a potential future Bafana Bafana coach, following in the footsteps of his uncle, Clive Barker. In his playing days, Barker was a gritty midfielder for Wits University and SuperSport United.

John Maduka has resurfaced at Magesi after a difficult last season with Royal AM, who were suspended and then expelled from the league. The former Malawi international has taken over from Owen da Gama. Maduka’s coaching journey began as team manager at Bloemfontein Celtic before becoming co-coach with Lehlohonolo Seema. He has managed 210 games, with 62 wins, 68 draws, and 80 losses. His career also includes two spells at Royal AM and a brief stint at Maritzburg United.

These five most experienced coaches in the Betway Premiership continue to shape the landscape of South African football with their vast knowledge and proven track records. Their enduring careers highlight the demanding nature of top-flight management and the resilience required to succeed over the long term.