Kanalelo says Otladisa substitution was tactical, not personal

Marumo Gallants head coach Ronnie Kanalelo has rejected suggestions of a personal dispute with winger Katlego Otladisa after the player reacted angrily to being substituted in his first match in charge.

Kanalelo took over from Phuti Mohafe and replaced Otladisa during the game against Pirates. The decision led to questions about whether the incident reflected tension between the new coach and the player.

However, Kanalelo said Otladisa was withdrawn because he had not provided the tactical effectiveness required by the team, particularly in the defensive phase.

“People are talking about the relationship etc, but it’s a footballing issue, it was about the tactical aspect of the game, operation, effectiveness, if the player is not doing, or giving what we want, then our tactical operation will not work,” he said.

The Gallants coach said the same standards applied to every member of his squad. He explained that the team’s tactical plan could only work if each player fulfilled their responsibilities on the pitch.

Kanalelo was especially unhappy with Otladisa’s contribution without the ball against Pirates. He felt the winger’s performance left Gallants under pressure and contributed to the decision to make an early substitution.

“The players are there to give us tactical effectiveness, that didn’t happen – defensively I was not happy with him and it put us a little bit on the back foot, nothing against Otladisa, as a human being – but Otladisa, the player on the pitch not giving what we wanted,” he added.

The explanation indicates that the change was based on Kanalelo’s evaluation of the team’s performance, rather than a disagreement with Otladisa away from football. Gallants are now seeking a response after their defeat by Pirates.