South African coach Thabiso Makhetha has joined Estonian club Nõmme United, adding international expertise to the Estonian club’s technical team. His arrival marks a new chapter in the Baltic’s after leaving Lithuanian outfit FK Riteriai in April.
After years of building his coaching experience in South Africa and around Europe, Thabiso Makhetha is embracing a new challenge in Estonia’s Esiliiga with Nõmme United. His move to the promotion hopefuls highlights his rise in the coaching ranks as well as the club’s push to bring international experience to the Esiliiga.
Thabiso spoke with us on what his move to Estonia was like, “as a young and upcoming coach it is important to have a growth mindset. The challenge of adapting to a new club, a new country, and a role with greater responsibilities has tested me throughout the campaign. This season has been a hugely rewarding step for me.”
Moving from South Africa to Europe and Estonia can be daunting, however, Thabiso has taken it in his stride. “South Africa is a highly regarded footballing nation, and there are coaches all around Europe. That said, it has been important for me to adjust to Estonian football culture and to listen, learn and adapt in order to be as effective as possible.”
Yet, Estonia isn’t Thabiso’s first stint in the Baltics as a coach, because up until April he was a coach at Lithuanian A Lyga side FK Riteriai after earning promotion with the club. He spoke to us about the differences in the two leagues and countries. “The first difference is the size of the second divisions. Lithuania has 16 teams, which means more analysis, more preparation, and exposure to a wider variety of coaches. That makes it more demanding as a coach.”
He continued by saying “In Estonia, the league is slightly smaller, teams play each other more often and you have to be innovative to keep the upper hand. Adapting here has been about keeping those nuances and making sure our preparation reflects the rhythm of the league.”
Nõmme United are currently top of the Esiliiga by 11 points with a +73-goal difference, making them the runaway leaders. “We’ve prioritised intensity and bravery without the ball, combined with quick transitions when we win it back. This has made us entertaining to watch but also very effective in games.” Thabiso also told us he’s excited to work in the Premium Liiga, “I’m looking forward to being tested next year in the highest division of Estonian football, hopefully. Winning matches will always be the most important factor in professional football.” Thabiso is hoping to help the club bounce straight back to the top division after relegation last season.
As the club aims for immediate promotion Thabiso told us about his personal goals for the rest of this season. “My personal goal from the start was to earn promotion and stay in the cup until 2026. Neither has been achieved yet which means focus is on everything. We also have one eye on history: to try and break the Esiliiga records for points, goals scored, and least goals conceded.” The Esiliiga leaders currently sit on 77 points with 95 goals scored and 22 goals conceded.
Thabiso finished off by telling us about what he wants for his career and the club if they get promoted. “Next season will be critical. Promotion would give us the chance to prove we are a technical team and are able to compete at the highest level. If we do secure promotion, it would be my second consecutive one in two different countries, which would be a great achievement for me personally. But for the club more importantly, it would signal we are ready to compete at the highest level.”
This move for Thabiso Makhetha, marks the next chapter in a coaching career defined by ambition and impact. Known for developing talent and guiding his players to success, Makhetha now faces a new challenge of guiding Nõmme United to the Premium Liiga and beyond whilst leaving his mark on Estonian football.
