Kanalelo named Marumo Gallants head coach after Mohafe dismissal

Marumo Gallants have appointed former Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronnie Kanalelo as their new head coach following the dismissal of Phuti Mohafe and his assistant Musa Bilankulu.

Mohafe and Bilankulu were sacked after Gallants made a difficult start to the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign. The Free State-based club are still without a win after six matches, having taken two points from four defeats and two draws.

Their final match under Mohafe ended in a 2-2 draw with Polokwane City. The result prompted the club to remove the coaching team, with second assistant coach Trevor Mathiane taking temporary charge while Gallants considered a permanent successor.

The club have now moved swiftly to appoint Kanalelo, who most recently managed Namibian side African Stars.

“Ronnie Kanalelo is the new head coach of Marumo Gallants,” a source told KickOff.

Kanalelo guided African Stars to the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League qualifiers during his time with the club. The 55-year-old now returns to South African football with Gallants near the bottom of the league table.

His immediate challenge will be to end the team’s winless run and improve their position in the Betway Premiership. Gallants have collected only two points from their opening six fixtures, leaving little margin for further setbacks as Kanalelo begins his tenure.

The appointment follows reports that Bulgarian coach Dimitar Pantev had also been considered for the vacant position. Pantev was linked with the role and was reported to have held talks with the Free State-based club before Gallants confirmed Kanalelo as Mohafe’s replacement.

Kanalelo previously played as a goalkeeper for Mamelodi Sundowns before moving into coaching. His latest assignment at African Stars ended with a run to the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League qualifiers, and he will now be tasked with stabilising Marumo Gallants’ struggling campaign.