New Marumo Gallants Coach Dan Malesela Explains Why His Latest Appointment Feels Unique Compared to Previous Tenures

Dan Malesela is back at Marumo Gallants, and this time he’s got a different vibe about his return compared to his previous stints. This week, Malesela was reappointed to take over from Dylan Kerr, who left unexpectedly after just three weeks.

It’s clear that Malesela’s outlook on his role this time around is unique.

Malesela admits that while he didn’t see this call coming, he had been mulling over a return to the club.

“I didn’t expect the call, but I had been thinking about it,” he shared with FARPost. “When they announced that they were acquiring the status, it crossed my mind a bit.”

What Sets This Stint Apart

The 59-year-old coach has had two previous runs with Marumo Gallants, including a notable period where his team reached the Nedbank Cup final in 2022 and qualified for the CAF Confederation Cup.

However, he left the club after some disagreements with management.

“This time, starting with the club at the beginning of the season is a key difference,” Malesela explained. “Although I didn’t get a full pre-season, having some time to work with the team is a big plus.”

He continued, “Thanks to the league’s delayed start, I have an opportunity to better prepare the players and make the right choices. We’re in a different situation with players coming from various backgrounds, including those from Swallows and the first division.

This gives me a chance to rectify past mistakes and refine our approach.”

Looking Ahead

Malesela’s focus is on making improvements and avoiding previous errors.

His approach this time around is about taking a fresh perspective and ensuring that past issues are addressed effectively.