Ex-Sundowns goalkeeper Ronnie Kanalelo appointed Marumo Gallants head coach

Marumo Gallants have appointed former Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronnie Kanalelo as their new head coach after dismissing Phuti Mohafe and assistant Musa Bilankulu, BBC Sport understands.

The Free State-based club acted after a poor start to the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign, in which they remain without a win from their opening six matches. Gallants have taken only two points, with four defeats and two draws.

Mohafe’s final match in charge was a 2-2 draw with Polokwane City. The result was followed by the decision to remove the coaching team, with second assistant coach Trevor Mathiane taking temporary charge.

A source confirmed Kanalelo’s appointment, saying: “Ronnie Kanalelo is the new head coach of Marumo Gallants.”

Kanalelo returns to South African football

The 55-year-old was most recently in charge of Namibian club African Stars. During his time there, he guided the team to the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.

He now inherits a Gallants side positioned close to the bottom of the league table, with his immediate challenge being to improve their results and revive the club’s season.

Kanalelo is a former Mamelodi Sundowns player and goalkeeper. His appointment brings a swift end to the club’s search for a permanent successor to Mohafe.

Bulgarian coach Dimitar Pantev had also been linked with the vacant position. Reports indicated that Pantev had held talks with the Free State-based club, but Gallants have instead opted to appoint Kanalelo.