African Stars seek advice after Ronnie Kanalelo’s surprise Marumo Gallants move

Namibian club African Stars are consulting on how to respond after coach Ronnie Kanalelo unexpectedly joined Betway Premiership side Marumo Gallants.

The 55-year-old former Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper was appointed by Gallants on Monday night, despite reportedly still having an agreement with African Stars.

Kanalelo had guided Stars into the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League at the weekend, when they eliminated Gabonese club Mangasport on the away-goal rule at Lucas Moripe Stadium.

Rather than return to Namibia after the tie, however, Kanalelo travelled to South Africa and began working with Gallants on Monday morning.

African Stars had understood that he would remain in charge for their meeting with Orlando Pirates next month, with a place in the CAF Champions League group stage at stake.

Kanalelo has officially taken over from Phuti Mohafe at Gallants, prompting Stars chairman Salomo Hei to indicate that the Namibian club could pursue a breach-of-contract case.

“African Stars are working on remedial action which is to get a replacement coach to get us to the group stage and at the same time consulting, given that the coach [Kanalelo] was under contract,” Hei told the public broadcaster.

Stars are now attempting to secure a replacement before the crucial continental fixture, while also seeking advice on the contractual situation.

Gallants said in their announcement that they expect Kanalelo to be in the dugout when they host Orlando Pirates at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Sunday.

It is unclear whether the dispute involving his previous club will be settled by that match.

Gallants, also known as Bahlabane Ba Ntwa, are currently bottom of the league table after failing to win any of their six games.