sportskeeda
Marumo Gallants has revealed that Dan Malesela has been granted a special leave of absence for undisclosed reasons.
Sources indicate that the relationship between Malesela and the club may be diverging, particularly following the recent appointment of Sundra Govender as the team’s second assistant coach.
The website has reported that on Tuesday, Govender was anticipated to take on the role of assistant coach, working alongside head coach Malesela, while Duncan Lechesa remains in his position as the second assistant. This appointment was confirmed on Wednesday morning.
“Marumo Gallants Football Club is thrilled to announce the addition of Sundra Govender as the club’s new assistant coach,” the club stated in their announcement.
“This initiative is part of the club’s broader strategy to strengthen the technical department. Govender brings extensive experience in the football industry, including his recent tenure as head coach of the Motsepe Foundation Championship team, Casric Stars.
“Govender has already arrived in Bloemfontein to begin his responsibilities immediately. He will work closely with Duncan Lechesa during Malesela’s absence due to pressing family matters. Gallants are scheduled to compete against Orlando Pirates on December 24, 2024, at Orlando Stadium.”
The pressure on Malesela has intensified following Gallants’ loss to Polokwane City on Sunday, ending a two-match winning streak.
Malesela, who joined the club in the off-season, takes a step back as the team currently finds itself in 12th place in the Betway Premiership standings, accumulating 10 points from nine matches.
He became a part of Gallants at the beginning of the season after club chairman Abram Sello took over the status of Moroka Swallows.
Moreover, Malesela’s position has become increasingly tenuous with the recent appointment of Molefi Ntseki as the club’s technical director. In the realm of South African football, such a role often signals the potential exit of the head coach.
Malesela was not originally the preferred choice for the head coach role; he was appointed as a temporary measure following Dylan Kerr’s resignation during the off-season, despite Kerr’s expressed dissatisfaction with the plan to co-coach with Malesela.
This marks Malesela’s third term with Gallants. He previously led the club to the Nedbank Cup final during the 2021/22 season, where they were narrowly defeated by his former team, Mamelodi Sundowns.
