Ronnie Kanalelo set to become Marumo Gallants head coach

Former Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronnie Kanalelo is set to take charge of Marumo Gallants after the club turned to the Namibian to replace Phuti Mohafe.

Kanalelo, 55, is currently coaching African Stars, who have reached the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League qualifiers. They will face Orlando Pirates in the next stage.

African Stars secured their progress against Gabonese side Mangasport on the away-goal rule after the tie finished 3-3 on aggregate. They overturned a 3-1 first-leg defeat by winning 2-0 in Tshwane this weekend.

The move would bring Kanalelo back to the Premier Soccer League, where he previously worked as a goalkeeper coach under Ernst Middendorp. He also has experience as an assistant coach with the Brave Warriors national team.

Gallants had been close to appointing Dimitar Pantev as Mohafe’s successor, but negotiations ended after the two parties failed to agree personal terms.

iDiski Times understands the club have instead secured Kanalelo’s return to the PSL. The Namibian has reportedly already taken his first training session with the team.

Kanalelo spent eight years with Sundowns during his playing career before retiring in 2005. He then began his coaching career in his native Namibia.

His current work with African Stars has strengthened his reputation in both African and South African football, while his previous roles have given him experience at club and international level.

The appointment is expected to formally end Mohafe’s time at Gallants, with the club having explored alternative options before settling on Kanalelo.

Story by Lorenz Kohler.