WINDHOEK – After steering Tura Magic to its first ever major silverware when he won the NPL League Cup at the beginning of the 2013/14 season and ensuring the team’s survival in the MTC Namibia Premiership, coach Bertus Bock and the Katutura outfit have parted ways.
New Era Sports learnt from reliable sources that Bock has hastily tendered his resignation in the wake of the team’s 2-0 victory over King Kauluma Palace in the Bidvest Namibia Cup Round-32 action at the Rundu Sport Stadium on Saturday.
The club however issued a statement late Friday in which it confirmed Bock’s resignation, but failed to explain what caused the quick exit. Asked about his sudden resignation, Bock cited family and personal reasons. “I just want to take a break from football and spend more time with my family and loved ones. I have had a wonderful journey with Tura Magic and I have to thank the team’s management for believing in me and granting me such a huge responsibility of being head coach,” said Bock.
Responding to rumors that his resignation was caused by a lucrative offer he recently received from an unconfirmed club, Bock said that is mere speculation and maintained that he has no short-term plans of returning to football as coach.
In its statement, Tura Magic said: “We would like to thank coach Bock for the time that he has spent with the club and for the hard work that he has put into the team. We will forever remember him as the coach that won us the first silverware in the Namibia Premier League, namely the League Cup which the club won in only its second season in the elite league.”
“After much deliberation, club management has decided to appoint Tura Magic’s Head of Coaching, Timo Tjongarero as the interim coach. That will allow the club to cast its net as wide as possible to find a new coach whom the club plans to appoint on a long-term basis. Securing its place in the Namibia Premier League for next season remains the club’s short-term objective for this season,” concluded the statement.
By Otniel Hembapu