University of Pretoria coach Sammy Troughton has been fired with immediate effect following a series of disappointing results, the struggling Premier Soccer League outfit announced on Thursday.
Former Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs striker Shaun Bartlett, who led Golden Arrows to the top by winning promotion from the NFD last season, takes over the reigns from Troughton.
AmaTuks CEO Rendani Mulaudzi said: “Though we are parting with Coach Sammy in the middle of the season, we shall always hold him in high esteem for his loyalty and coach acumen for the many years he was an integral part of our programme.”
Troughton leaves the team struggling in second from bottom on the Absa Premiership log standings with just 12 points after at the half way mark of the season.
A run of three wins, three draws and nine defeats in 15 matches has seemingly forced the hand of management, despite a morale boosting 1-0 home win over title contenders Mpumalanga Black Aces on Sunday.
"This change in our coaching staff is motivated by the need for new ideas, approach and focus. For this reason, we felt that Coach Shaun will bring some freshness and innovative ideas and programmes to our total football programme," said Mulaudzi.
"Coach Bartlett will be ably assisted by Coach Evangelos Vellios, Goalkeeper Coach Tendai Tanyanyiwa, and the rest of the Technical Team. They have our fullest support because we believe that together they will bring the results we want."
Bartlett is expected to be on the AmaTuks bench when the Pretoria outfit visit the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Sunday January 31 for a date with improving Platinum Stars.
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