“The club has decided to appoint Sammy purely because he is been with the club before, he knows the culture of the club,” said Stars general manager Rantsi Mokoena.
“We decided on a 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.”
Troughton, who has penned a two-year deal with Ea Lla Koto, recently left Stellenbosch, who are now under the sole guidance of ex-AmaZulu boss Steve Barker.
Troughton will be assisted by fellow newcomer Selaotse Mosala and David Vilakazi at the Bethlehem-based outfit.
Stars narrowly survived relegation in 2016/17, finishing above the drop zone on goal difference.
Letsoaka spent six months with the Premiership oufit, having taken over the reins from Italian Giovanni Solinas.