Namibian coach Woody Jacobs has revealed that his departure from Botswana’s Matebele FC was due to disappointing results. 

Jacobs, who signed with the club in August 2023, said he was relieved of his duties for the second time on 29 April after losing against Gaborone United, not because of his involvement with the national senior women’s side, the Brave Gladiators. 

“I did not fly to Namibia to coach the Gladiators; they were in Botswana, and I spent two days with them. In those two days, Matebele wasn’t playing, so national duties did not interfere with club duties. 

“In December, when I travelled with the Gladiators to Ghana, I spoke to my team and left. After the Ghana trip, I left for Namibia because I had been fired, I went to train Orlando Pirates in January and February. Matebele then recalled me, and fired me again last month.

Jacobs explained that his record after returning to Matebele was three draws and four losses. 

He drew 0-0 with Masitaoka and Morepule Wanderers, lost 2-1 against Police 11 and 11 Angels respectively, drew 1-1 against Township Rollers, lost 2-1 against Sua Flamingoes and Gaborone United. 

“That’s the record and reason why I was let go,” explained Jacobs. Matebele is currently 11th on the log out of 16 teams.

However, he landed another job right after with Tafic FC, which is currently in fifth place in the Botswana Premier League standings. 

“My contract with Tafic, a Francistown-based club, is up to the end of the season, with an option for renewal for another season. 

With Tafic, Jacobs is focused on immediate challenges, including an upcoming Orange FA Cup quarterfinal clash against Sua Flamingoes tomorrow. “It’s the quarterfinal stage of the cup. 

Next week on Wednesday, there will be a league match against Masitoaka in Francistown. There are seven league matches left,” Jacobs shared.

-lmupetami@nepc.com.na