Siphelele Nketo
TRANSITIONING from a rural coaching role to national level was the realisation of Mkhuseli ‘Shepherd’ Sentane’s life-long dream. He comes from the rural village of Lucingweni in Ntabankulu, Eastern Cape.
Last month, Sentane earned his new role as assistant coach for Polokwane City FC, playing in the Betway Premiership League. Sentane’s coaching career began in early 2000 when he was playing for City Leg FC, based in EmaXesibeni (Mount Ayliff). He also coached for Kokstad Eastern Rangers FC when they played in the SAFA Harry Gwala regional league. The club won several leagues and promotions under his guidance.
Other clubs that he coached included the Kokstad Bush Bucks FC and Tubatse United FC where he started as assistant coach and later became head coach. The Limpopo-based Tubatse United FC played under the ABC Motsepe League during the 2024/2025 football seasons. Sentane also coached Dolphins FC, based in Limpopo. Last year, he coached AmaXesibe FC until last month when he was absorbed by Polokwane City FC.
While coaching AmaXesibe FC, some of his responsibilities were to offer guidance to the technical team, support footballers and to revive the team, gearing them towards winning.
“It has been a dream to join a team that plays in the national football league. Playing football in the small dusty streets in Ntabankulu inspired my coaching path. I now develop players and move clubs forward even if there are limited resources,” Sentane stated.
