Kanalelo ready for Marumo Gallants’ tough test against Sundowns

Marumo Gallants coach Ronnie Kanalelo says he is prepared for the pressure of leading the troubled club, despite being handed a difficult Carling Knockout last-16 tie away to Mamelodi Sundowns later this month.

The Namibian began his tenure with a demanding fixture against reigning Betway Premiership champions Orlando Pirates before the FIFA international break. Gallants lost that match 2-0.

Their next league assignment comes away to Sekhukhune United on Saturday evening, with Kanalelo recognising the scale of the task facing him at the club.

“When it comes to this job, whether you are at the top, middle, or the bottom there will always be pressure no matter what. This is the kind of pressure we have to deal with because it comes with the territory,” he said.

Kanalelo also reflected on how the standard of the Premier Soccer League has developed since his playing days as a goalkeeper at Sundowns.

The coach believes the competition has improved significantly, although he says the ambition at his former club remains unchanged.

Sundowns will provide Gallants’ next major cup challenge, with the sides due to meet in the Carling Knockout last 16 later this month.

Kanalelo also addressed his decision to replace Gallants’ talisman Katlego Otladisa after only 22 minutes of the defeat by Orlando Pirates.

He rejected suggestions that the substitution was linked to any problem in their relationship, insisting it was a tactical decision based on the player’s performance and the team’s requirements.

“People are speculating about the relationship but it’s a football issue, because it’s all about the tactical aspect of the game and the effectiveness of the team. So if a player is not doing what we want then our tactical operation will not work because each player is there for a specific reason. I was not happy with Otladisa defensively,” Kanalelo explained.