Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder Matthew Pattison has been handed a managerial job at English club Whickham FC.
Pattison would be best remembered for his time at Sundowns, whom he joined from Norwich City in 2009, before he went on to make his Bafana debut in 2010.
The 33-year-old also had a brief spell with Santos before joining Bidvest Wits, and eventually returned to England with Gateshead FC in 2014.
‘Patta’ has since turned to coaching and has on Monday been appointed first team manager of Northern League Division One outfit Whickham, in the ninth tier of English football.
“Whickham Football Club are delighted to announce the appointment of Matthew Pattison as the club’s new manager,” read a statement from the Lang Jacks.
“Pattison is now in his second season with the club, following a spell with South Shields, and the newly-appointed manager has brought in John Oster as his assistant.
“Pattison’s knowledge and experience are unrivalled. The midfielder had the honour of playing for his country, South Africa, and also under some of the best managers, including the likes of Sir Bobby Robson.”
Speaking on his club's website upon being handed the job, he said: "It’s a fantastic opportunity. There’s a lot of buzz around the place. The club wants to go places, so it’s a fantastic start for me in terms of management.
“I know the club pretty well now. I know what it’s about and where it wants to go. For me, it was an easy decision in the end, when I’ve sat down and thought about it.”
