Joel Masutha is set to return to Motsepe Foundation Championship outfit The Bees after reaching an agreement to leave Betway Premiership newcomers Kruger United, according to FARPost.
The experienced coach’s spell with Kruger United lasted only a few months after he joined the Mpumalanga-based club ahead of the 2026/27 campaign as assistant coach to head coach Abram Mongoya.
Masutha’s departure follows discussions over the termination of his contract, with the 54-year-old having made it clear that he wanted to leave the club.
The Bees Initiated the Move
New details surrounding Masutha’s exit indicate that The Bees played a central role in bringing him back.
The second-tier club reportedly approached Kruger United to request the coach’s release, with Kruger agreeing to allow him to leave.
His exit also comes during a period of change behind the scenes at the Village Boys. Treasure Mathebula has been appointed interim chief executive officer following the departure of chairman Bongani Wati.
Wati stepped down after selling his shares in the club to president Basil Khoza.
A Short Spell at Newly Promoted Kruger
Masutha joined Kruger United to work alongside Mongoya, who had guided the club to the Motsepe Foundation Championship title and automatic promotion to the top flight.
His appointment was somewhat ironic, given that Masutha had arrived at Kruger after helping The Bees preserve their own place in the second tier.
However, his time with the newly promoted Premiership side has now come to an early conclusion.
The Bees Turn to a Familiar Face
Masutha’s return is being driven by the need to find a replacement for Duncan Lechesa.
Lechesa was appointed in June on a one-year contract after replacing Masutha, following The Bees’ 10th-place finish in the previous campaign.
The club had hoped the former Polokwane City coach’s experience in the second tier would help improve their fortunes. However, a difficult start to the new season resulted in Lechesa being placed on special leave before his eventual dismissal.
Dominic Ramokgopa and Velile Zitha subsequently took temporary charge while the club searched for a permanent successor.
Masutha Brings Second-Tier Experience
Masutha returns with considerable experience of South African football’s lower divisions.
The coach has previously worked with Black Leopards, Baroka FC, Pretoria Callies, Venda FC and Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila.
His familiarity with The Bees could also prove useful as the club attempts to arrest its difficult start to the current campaign.
The Bees Facing Early Season Struggle
The Nkomati-based club currently sits 14th in the Motsepe Foundation Championship standings.
The Bees have managed just one victory from their opening five matches, while suffering four defeats.
The club’s immediate challenge will be to climb away from the lower reaches of the table and regain some stability after a turbulent start to the season.
Masutha Returns to a Club He Helped Keep Up
Masutha’s appointment represents a return to familiar surroundings.
The Bees secured their National First Division status in 2025 after winning the Mpumalanga ABC Motsepe League stream and advancing to the national play-off final.
Masutha played a role in that campaign before leaving for Kruger United.
Now, after only a brief spell with the Premiership newcomers, he is set to return to The Bees with the task of helping the club regain its footing in the second tier.
