Larsen packed up and left yesterday in a move that surprised many due to Celtic lying in sixth in the Premier Soccer League standing with just one game to go before the Christmas break.

While Phunya Sele Sele haven’t won a game in six matches, Larsen told OFM Sport that his exit had nothing to do with the results of late.

The club has in the meantime named Duncan Lechesa and former captain, Lehlohonolo Seema, as the side’s interim coaches.

Larsen opened up and said he was given an ultimatum to replace Seema as his assistant coach with Lechesa.

“The main point of concern was basically I was given an ultimatum to change my assistant coach.

“Bringing in Duncan Lechesa and basically Seema goes to the development.

“I’ve been working with Seema since last season and I find him to be a very, very astute coach, very honest person and loyal.

“Those are the qualities I look for in the person that sits next to me, but it’s not to say Duncan doesn’t have those.”

The former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates midfielder added that he has principles and it’s something he will stick with.

“I’ve got my own principles as an individual and I will always stick by them and make decisions that I firmly believe best suite myself and my team, and that’s what I’ve basically done.

“It’s a sad moment once again for me like the first time I resigned because I’ve just built up such a great rapport with my players.

“It’s sad to be parting with them when we came see that we are one or two wins away from really being league contenders because that’s how close you are.”

Celtic next face Chippa United on 18 December at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.

Morgan Piek / OFM News