Dan Malesela open to assistant coaching role after Chippa United exit

Dan Malesela says he is willing to become an assistant coach in the Premier Soccer League, marking a significant change in position for the 61-year-old after his recent departure from Chippa United.

Malesela left Chippa after a difficult spell in charge of their DStv Diski Challenge team. The experienced coach has traditionally placed a strong emphasis on having authority as a head coach, while promoting a possession-based and attacking style of football.

However, he believes a supporting role could be suitable if the club, head coach and playing philosophy are compatible.

“I do not mind being an assistant coach, but it depends on the club and the head coach,” Malesela told KickOff.

“It depends on the style of football the team plays and whether it is likely to work. I must be able to contribute to that style of play. If the style is not similar to mine, there will be clashes.

“I do not want to end up in conflict with people by agreeing to something simply because I want a job.

“I must be able to contribute,” added the former footballer.

Malesela’s comments suggest he would not accept an assistant position merely as a route back into the PSL. He wants to be confident that his ideas and experience would fit the team’s approach and that he could make a meaningful contribution to the coaching structure.

Earlier this year, he also took on the position of Head of Football Development at the Africa School of Excellence.

Malesela’s coaching record

His most notable achievement came in 2019, when he guided then-second-tier TS Galaxy to a historic Nedbank Cup triumph against Kaizer Chiefs.

Despite that success, his later appointments at Marumo Gallants, Royal AM, Baroka FC and Chippa United were frequently brought to an early end by club hierarchies described as impatient.

Making himself available as an assistant gives Betway Premiership head coaches the possibility of adding his tactical knowledge, experience in developing players and authority within a dressing room, without putting him in direct charge of a team.

Malesela’s willingness to consider the role represents a pragmatic shift from his established preference for leading teams as the head coach. However, his conditions make clear that he would only take up the opportunity if the club’s footballing principles were close enough to his own to allow him to work effectively.