Former South Africa international Michael Masilo Modubi has been appointed head coach of Belgian side Turkse FC for the 2026/27 season, marking the latest step in his growing coaching career in Europe.
The 40-year-old, who previously featured for Bafana Bafana, will take charge of the club as he looks to build on his experience in Belgian football management. His appointment follows a spell in the lower tiers of the Belgian league system, where he has already shown signs of promise as a coach.
Modubi’s playing career began in South Africa, where he developed through the Transnet School of Excellence. His talent earned him a move abroad in 2003, when he joined English Premier League club Chelsea alongside compatriots Boy-Boy Mosia and Jeffrey Ntuka.
However, the trio were unable to secure work permits in England and were subsequently loaned to Belgian club KVC Westerlo. While Mosia and Ntuka later returned to South Africa to continue their careers, Modubi remained in Belgium, establishing himself over nearly a decade with Westerlo.
He later went on to play for Dessel Sport and Witgoor Dessel, where he concluded his professional playing career in 2017 after several years in the Belgian domestic leagues.
Following his retirement, Modubi transitioned into coaching, initially working in youth development. His first significant senior coaching opportunity came with KESK Leopoldsburg in the Belgian third division. During his tenure, he guided the club to the promotion play-offs, underlining his potential as a manager before eventually departing the role.
His new position at Turkse FC represents a return to the touchline and an opportunity to further establish himself within European football. Reports indicate that he will aim to continue his upward trajectory in coaching by building a competitive squad and delivering strong performances in the upcoming campaign.
At international level, Modubi earned two caps for South Africa in 2009 during the tenure of then head coach Joel Natalino Santana. Although his time with the national team was brief, it remains a notable achievement in his playing career.
Now, as he prepares for the 2026/27 season, Modubi’s focus will shift fully to his new responsibilities at Turkse FC. His appointment highlights a continued link between South African football and European leagues, as former players increasingly move into coaching roles abroad.
With experience both on and off the pitch in Belgium, Modubi is expected to bring a deep understanding of the local game to his new post, as he looks to make a lasting impact in his latest challenge.
