Johannesburg – The split between Marumo Gallants and head coach Romain Folz continues to make headlines despite the team’s lackluster start to the season.
The 31-year-old Folz joined Bahlabane Ba Ntwa in a surprising move at the beginning of the season, replacing Dan ‘Dance’ Malesela, who had led the team to a decent finish in the previous season.
The French-Moroccan coach is reportedly leaving the team after six matches, citing interference in his coaching preparations for their match against Swallows.
“Folz was quoted by SoccerLaduma as stating, “Last night, the club’s management tried to compel me to modify my lineup, to have many substitutions for everything.”
In essence, they attempted to alter the lineup, and I was warned that there would be repercussions if I objected.
It is thought that Folz was on the losing end of a power dispute prior to their match against the Dube Birds, and he was warned that he would be demoted if he did not comply with management’s requests.
Folz was listed as the assistant coach on the Gallants team sheet for their match against Swallows, despite his absence. Assistant coach Xaniseka Raymond Mdaka led the team in their 1-1 draw.
“I was warned that if I did not agree, the assistant coach (Raymond Mdaka) would be in control, and I said okay because that is not what my contract says.” “said Folz.
The club issued a statement Tuesday morning suggesting that they would be willing to clear the air regarding the rumored disarray within the club and are currently in negotiations with Folz to reach a mutually agreeable resolution.
“Gallants’ chairman Abram Sello noted that internal conversations are currently underway, assuring the club’s partners and supporters that the problem will be resolved in the best interests of the team,” read the club’s statement.
“Marumo Gallants will answer all questions at the end of this week’s formal press briefing,”
Bahlabane Ba Ntwa are presently 14th in the DStv Premiership, tied with Chippa United for the fewest points. They have failed to win a game this season, with five draws and one loss.