Gaborone United has officially announced the departure of head coach Dimitar Pantev, who is strongly tipped to take over at Tanzania’s Simba SC.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Botswana champions confirmed that Pantev had requested to terminate his contract, a request the club said it had no choice but to respect.
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“Gaborone United Football Club would like to officially announce that Dimitar Pantev will be leaving the club with immediate effect. Pantev has informed the club of his intention to pursue a new career opportunity in the coaching profession and after discussions with management, Gaborone United has respectfully approved his request,” the statement read.
The Bulgarian tactician, who bid farewell to players and staff at the training ground this morning, leaves behind a strong legacy.
Since his arrival, Pantev has been credited with transforming the team’s playing style and guiding them to the 2024/25 Botswana Premier League title — the club’s eighth in its history.
“Since joining the club, Pantev has been a pillar of leadership and success. Under his leadership, Gaborone United won the Premier League title in the 2024/25 season, a major achievement that has cemented his name in the club’s illustrious history,” Gaborone United added.
According to insiders at Simba SC, Pantev has already reached the final stages of negotiations to become the club’s new head coach following the departure of Fadlu Davids, who recently joined Raja Casablanca of Morocco.
Simba is said to have been particularly impressed by the fast-paced, attacking, passing football Pantev implemented at Gaborone United — a style that could align with their ambitions in both the domestic league and continental competitions.
Gaborone United concluded their statement by thanking Pantev for his dedication and wishing him success in his next chapter:
“On behalf of the club’s directors, technical team, players, officials and the entire Gaborone United family, we express our sincere gratitude to Coach Pantev for his immense contribution and unparalleled dedication. His honor will remain in the glorious history of our club.”
