Troughton succeeds Serame Letsoaka at Goble Park, as Ea Lla Koto continues the trend of working with local-based tacticians, with previous history of the top-flight side.

General Manager Rantsi Mokoena conceded the work Troughton achieved with the newly formed Cape Town based side in the National First Division and his record of sustaining TUKS as a Premiership side during his tenure – was the deciding factor in his appointment.

“The club has decided to appoint Sammy purely because he is been with the club before, he knows the culture of the club,” he said.

“We decided on local coach than to go abroad as we have learnt our lesson with foreign coaches that we did not do well under them.

“He has done tremendously with previous clubs he has worked at. Whilst still at Tuks, Tuks was very competitive they were never relegated under him,” Mokoena added. “He also took Stellenbosch to the play-offs and almost got them promoted to the Premiership.

“Another factor he has worked with ‘Sly’ Mosala and I am adamant that they will do well working together.”

- Free State Stars