Marumo Gallants appoint former Sundowns goalkeeper Ronny Kananelo as head coach

Marumo Gallants have appointed former Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronny Kananelo as their new head coach, with the club confirming the move on 14 September 2026.

Kananelo succeeds Phuti Mohafe, who was dismissed last week after Gallants opened their campaign with two draws and three defeats. The new coach takes charge with the club bottom of the log, having collected two points from six outings.

The 55-year-old was most recently in charge of African Stars in Namibia. During his time there, he guided the club past Burundi side Mangansport to reach the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League, where they were due to face Orlando Pirates.

In a statement, the club said: “14 September 2026, Johannesburg – Marumo Gallants F.C. is pleased to announce the appointment of Filemon Ronny Kananelo as the Club’s new Head Coach.

“Kananelo brings extensive coaching and playing experience across Southern African football. A former professional goalkeeper, he enjoyed a successful playing career with Mamelodi Sundowns, where he won three league titles and several domestic trophies, before representing Namibia at the international level, earning 53 caps and featuring at the 1998 Africa Cup of Nations.

“As a coach, Kananelo has worked extensively in Namibia and South Africa, including roles with UNAM FC, Black Africa FC, Bucks Buccaneers FC, African Stars FC, Maritzburg United and Bloemfontein Celtic. He also served as part of the Namibia national team technical staff across several major international tournaments, including the 2008, 2019 and 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

“Most recently, Kananelo guided African Stars FC to the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League. He holds a CAF A Licence and brings a coaching philosophy centred on discipline, tactical intelligence, and player development. He will lead Marumo Gallants for the remainder of the 2026/27 season, starting with the Club’s upcoming Betway Premiership fixture against Orlando Pirates.

“Marumo Gallants F.C. welcomes Coach Kananelo and looks forward to his contribution as the Club continues to compete and build for the future.”

Kananelo won three league titles and several domestic trophies during his playing career with Mamelodi Sundowns. He later earned 53 international caps for Namibia and was part of the squad at the 1998 Africa Cup of Nations.

His coaching career has included positions at UNAM FC, Black Africa FC, Bucks Buccaneers FC, African Stars FC, Maritzburg United and Bloemfontein Celtic. He has also been part of Namibia’s technical staff at the 2008, 2019 and 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The coach holds a CAF A Licence and will begin his tenure with Marumo Gallants’ upcoming Betway Premiership match against Orlando Pirates.