Mochudi Centre Chiefs Part Ways With Spanish Coach Miguel Corral Torreira

GABORONE – Mochudi Centre Chiefs have parted ways with head coach Miguel Corral Torreira, ending the Spanish coach’s eight-month spell at the Botswana Premier League club.

The club announced the decision on Monday, saying Torreira’s departure was effective immediately. It did not provide a reason for the decision and has yet to name his replacement.

“[Mochudi Centre Chiefs] has parted ways with Head Coach Miguel Corral Torreira, effective immediately,” the club said in a one-page statement dated 21 September.

The club thanked Torreira “for his contribution and professionalism during his time with Magosi Maaparankwe” and wished him success in his future endeavours.

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It said an announcement on the club’s next technical leadership would be made “in due course”.

A high-profile appointment

Torreira, who turned 35 in July, was appointed on 9 January 2026 following the departure of Pontsho Moloi.

His appointment followed an extensive recruitment process. At the time, club president Stanton Fredericks described Torreira as “the most qualified and progressive coach to ever work in our league”.

The Galician coach arrived with experience in Spain, Panama and India. He worked with youth teams in Spain before moving to Panama, where he served as an assistant and later head coach of Herrera FC.

He subsequently took charge of UMECIT FC before moving to India’s Super League Kerala in 2025. He joined Mochudi Centre Chiefs in January this year.

His coaching qualifications include UEFA Pro and CONMEBOL Pro licences, according to his professional profile.

Fourth-place finish

Torreira leaves after guiding Chiefs to fourth place in the 2025/26 Botswana Premier League.

The club finished the 30-match campaign with 56 points from 16 wins, eight draws and six defeats. They conceded 18 goals and finished with a goal difference of plus 19.

The finish represented an improvement on the previous season, when Chiefs were fifth. The club had also returned to the top flight after several seasons in the First Division.

Torreira’s first competitive months included a number of notable results. In March, Mmegi reported on a 2-0 victory over Township Rollers, with January signing Aitor Aldalur scoring both goals.

Chiefs subsequently entered the 2026/27 campaign under Torreira but made a mixed start. They lost 1-0 to Extension Gunners in their opening league match, beat Nico United 2-0 and drew 1-1 with Tonota.

A club undergoing major change

Torreira’s departure comes as Chiefs continue to reshape the club following their return to the top flight.

Founded in 1972, Mochudi Centre Chiefs have won four Botswana league titles, including an unbeaten championship-winning campaign in 2007/08. The club was relegated in 2018/19 and spent several seasons in the First Division before returning to the Premier League after acquiring Masitaoka’s top-flight licence in 2024.

In January 2025, the Stanton Fredericks Sports Group took a 100% stake in the club under a 15-year management agreement.

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Fredericks, the former Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs midfielder, subsequently moved into a Director of Football role in August 2026, with Nic Mathew appointed president of the sporting club. Fredericks’ new role includes responsibility for areas such as player recruitment, youth development and technical support.

The club has also continued to strengthen its squad ahead of the new season, with several new signings as it seeks to challenge near the top of Botswana football.

Torreira was the first coach appointed under the new leadership structure to oversee the club’s project on the pitch.

His departure now leaves Chiefs searching for a new coach less than a month into the 2026/27 league campaign, with the club yet to indicate who will take charge of the team.