No rift between Katlego Otladisa and Ronnie Kanalelo at Marumo Gallants

There is no breakdown in the relationship between Katlego Otladisa and Marumo Gallants head coach Ronnie Kanalelo, despite the winger’s early withdrawal during the club’s 2-0 Betway Premiership defeat by Orlando Pirates last month.

Otladisa was replaced after 22 minutes of the match, prompting questions about the state of his relationship with Kanalelo. The coach said after the game that he had been dissatisfied with the player’s defensive work and his failure to provide sufficient effort when helping the team without possession.

However, sources have told the Siya crew that the incident has not caused a fallout between the two men. Otladisa and Kanalelo are understood to be working together as Gallants attempt to improve their form after the FIFA break.

The Limpopo-based club have had a difficult opening to the campaign. After seven matches, they remain bottom of the Betway Premiership table and are still waiting for their first league victory of the season.

The international break has given Gallants an opportunity to regroup before returning to competitive action. The club will be hoping that period allows the squad to return with greater determination as they try to change their fortunes and move up the standings.

Gallants’ next match will be against Sekhukhune United at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday, October 17. Kanalelo’s side will be targeting their first league win of the season in that fixture.

Both the coach and Otladisa are understood to remain focused on helping Marumo Gallants produce better performances and recover from their poor start, rather than allowing the substitution against Orlando Pirates to affect their working relationship.