By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Marumo Gallants Football Club have announced former Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Filemon Ronny Kanalelo as their new head coach.
Kanalelo replaces Phuti Mohafe, who was fired last week after failing to win in his first five matches in charge this season.
Bulgarian tactician Dimitar Pantev was initially preferred candidate. However, the two parties could not find common ground, prompting the club to turn its attention to Kanalelo.
“Marumo Gallants F.C. is pleased to announce the appointment of Filemon Ronny Kananelo as the Club’s new Head Coach, “the club stated.
“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.”
Kanalelo was also a former Namibia coach, He was at the helm in Pretoria on Saturday as African Stars beat Gabon’s Mangasport 2-0 to advance to the second round of the Champions League on the away goals rule.
The 55-year-old Kanalelo played at Sundowns between 1997 and 2004 and was back-up goalkeeper to John Tlale as Sundowns won three league titles in a row from 1998 to 2000. He was also a Bob Save Super Bowl winner in 1998.