Kanalelo backs Marumo Gallants to escape relegation trouble

Marumo Gallants coach Ronnie Kanalelo is confident his side can climb out of the relegation zone despite remaining one of only two teams without a league victory this season.

Alongside Richards Bay, Gallants are still waiting for their first win after eight matches. Bahlabane ba Ntwa sit bottom of the table with two points, having suffered six defeats and drawn twice.

Kanalelo, who joined the club last month as Phuti Mohafe’s replacement, has been encouraged by the chances his team is creating and believes improved decision-making in the final third will eventually bring results.

“I would be worried if we were not creating chances, but we are creating chances but let down by decision making in the final third. As long as we create chances, anything is possible and I am more than confident that we will soon win games and get out of this situation,” he said.

The Namibian has overseen two matches since taking charge, with Gallants losing to Orlando Pirates and Sekhukhune United. He says his initial focus was on giving the team greater organisation and positional discipline.

“The biggest thing I had to work on since my arrival was the organisation and the structure of the team, making sure that the players operate from their positions effectively instead of just roaming around,” Kanalelo said.

He added that the squad had responded quickly to the changes and that progress was already visible.

“The players bought into this as quickly as possible. I am seeing a lot of improvements and it’s a matter of time before things work in our favour.”

Kanalelo accepts pressure of results

Kanalelo also acknowledged that his position could come under pressure if Gallants’ poor run continues. However, he said he had accepted the challenge of taking over a struggling club and remained confident in his own coaching ability.

“This is a game of results…it’s a results-driven industry. Everybody asked, ‘why did you take such a job’? But it’s a good challenge and I believe in my abilities as a coach and I still believe I can take this team out of the pit-hole,” he stated.

The coach said he was not allowing concerns about the management’s view of his performance to distract him.

“What the management thinks about me, for me, is irrelevant and I don’t even want to think about it.”

Marumo Gallants’ next fixture is a Carling Knockout first-round tie against Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday, with kick-off scheduled for 7pm.