• Full Name: Trott Nchilo Moloto
• Date of Birth: 19 July 1956
• Place of Birth: Seshego, Limpopo Province, South Africa
• Occupation: Football Manager, Technical Advisor, Teacher, Former Player
• Nickname: “Walk Tall”, “Trapattoni”
• Clan Name: Mohlaloga
• Known For: Former Bafana Bafana Coach, Advisor to Patrice Motsepe, Mamelodi Sundowns Legend

Who is Trott Moloto?

Trott Moloto is a highly respected South African football coach, advisor, and former player known for his deep tactical knowledge, leadership skills, and mentorship of players both on and off the field. Fondly nicknamed “Walk Tall” and “Trapattoni,” Moloto has influenced South African football as a coach, technical director, and advisor to Patrice Motsepe at Mamelodi Sundowns. A former schoolteacher and professional footballer, Moloto is celebrated for his role in developing South African football talent and building successful teams.

Early Life and Education

• Born on 19 July 1956 in Seshego, Limpopo Province.
• Grew up passionate about both education and sport.
• Became a qualified teacher and taught Mathematics at Phefeni Senior Secondary School in Soweto.
• Mentored young footballers, including future stars like Phil Masinga and Thomas Madigage, while they were already playing professionally under Jomo Sono’s management.

Playing Career

With Ace Khuse, Jazzy Queen Legodi, Screamer Tshabala (Trott, far right)

• Started his football career with Seshego Stone Breakers.
• Later played as a solid centre-back for major clubs including:
  • Kaizer Chiefs
  • Moroka Swallows
  • Mamelodi Sundowns
• Featured prominently in the National Professional Soccer League (NPSL) era.
• Remained in the NPSL during the controversial breakaway to the NSL (National Soccer League).
• Known for his calmness, tactical discipline, and leadership on the field.

Transition to Coaching

• In 1985, while playing under Stan “Screamer” Tshabalala at Mamelodi Sundowns, Moloto was offered a choice:
  • Go on loan to Orlando Pirates, or
  • Join Tshabalala’s technical bench as an assistant coach.
• H chose to retire early from playing and become assistant coach to Screamer.
• Together with Screamer, helped develop the famous “Piano and Shoeshine” style of play at Sundowns — a philosophy based on beautiful, attacking football.

Below picture shared by Don Lepati.

Early Coaching Career

• Coached Ratanang Maholosiane FC in QwaQwa alongside Shakes Mashaba in 1992.
• Helped Ratanang become competitive, with players like Daniel “Mambush” Mudau passing through the club on loan before returning to Mamelodi Sundowns.
• Ratanang Maholosiane sold their status to Manning Rangers.
• In 1995, Trott Moloto became Assistant Coach to Agosto Palacios at Kaizer Chiefs.

Success at Bush Bucks

• Appointed Head Coach of Bush Bucks in 1996.
• Won the prestigious Coca-Cola Cup in 1996, showcasing his ability to lead a team to silverware.
• Bush Bucks were known for disciplined and attacking football under his leadership.

Bafana Bafana Involvement

• Joined Bafana Bafana as Assistant Coach to Jomo Sono for the 1998 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Burkina Faso.
• South Africa finished as runners-up, earning a silver medal.
• Elevated to Caretaker Head Coach after the departure of Jomo Sono.
• Masterminded Bafana’s:
  • Historic 1-0 win over Sweden in 1998.
  • Third-place finish at the 2000 AFCON in Ghana and Nigeria.
• Holds the record for longest-serving caretaker coach in Bafana Bafana history.
• Preferred a tactical 3-5-2 formation, commanding respect and discipline from his players.
• Returned as Assistant Coach to Carlos Queiroz during the 2002 AFCON, where Bafana were knocked out in the quarterfinals.

As assistant to Carlos Quieroz.

Tanzania

In 2005, Trott Moloto joined one of Tanzania’s biggest clubs, Simba FC, as the head coach. But he resigned before the end of his contract due to changes in the leadership of Simba FC, which he felt brought instability to the club.

Later Career and Mamelodi Sundowns Leadership

• Rejoined Mamelodi Sundowns, working alongside Gordon Igesund as Assistant Coach.
• Became Interim Head Coach after the departure of Frenchman Henri Michel.
• Helped maintain Sundowns’ competitive performances during transitions between coaches.
• Today, remains involved at Mamelodi Sundowns in a managerial and advisory role, serving as a trusted right-hand man to club owner Patrice Motsepe.

Here with Alex Shakoane.

Advisor and Mentor

• Highly respected by players and football administrators alike for his wise, fatherly advice.
• Known for encouraging players to:
  • Marry wisely,
  • Invest in property and appreciating assets,
  • Save money and prepare for life after football.
• Played a crucial role behind the scenes in helping players build stable futures beyond their playing days.

Awards and Honours

• Celebrated as a Legend of South African Coaching.
• One of the few South African coaches to manage at major international tournaments and domestic success stories.
• His contributions to South African football structures remain deeply appreciated by those he coached and mentored.

Summary

• Trott Moloto’s football journey spans from professional player to educator, head coach, national team tactician, and technical advisor.
• Known for creating tactical innovations, building strong team structures, and mentoring generations of players and coaches.
• His legacy includes success at Bush Bucks, national pride with Bafana Bafana, and long-term stability at Mamelodi Sundowns.
• Moloto’s story is one of humility, intelligence, loyalty, and service to South African football.

Final Thoughts

Trott Moloto’s impact on South African football cannot be overstated.
He combined tactical brilliance with a teacher’s heart, developing players both as athletes and as responsible men. His loyalty to his teams, his patience, and his quiet wisdom made him one of the most respected figures in the history of South African football. His legacy lives on at Mamelodi Sundowns, and in the careers of countless players and coaches he mentored over the years.