Ex-Sundowns Star Takes Over Bottom-Of-Table Gallants Ahead Of Pirates Test
Marumo Gallants have confirmed the appointment of former Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronny Kanalelo as the club’s new head coach until the end of the season.
Kanalelo replaces Phuti Mohafe, who was recently sacked after a poor start to the campaign. Caretaker coach Matome Mathiane temporarily stepped in on an interim basis, taking charge of Saturday’s 1–0 defeat to AmaZulu at Princess Magogo Stadium.
Kanalelo inherits a side wallowing at the bottom of the Betway Premiership standings with just two points from six matches, having suffered four defeats.
“Marumo Gallants F.C. is pleased to announce the appointment of Filemon Ronny Kananelo as the Club’s new Head Coach,” the club said in a statement.
“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 international level, earning 53 caps and featuring at the 1998 Africa Cup of Nations.
“As a coach, Kananelo has worked extensively in Namibia and South Africa, including roles with UNAM FC, Black Africa FC, Bucks Buccaneers FC, African Stars FC, Maritzburg United and Bloemfontein Celtic.
“He also served as part of the Namibia national team technical staff at several major international tournaments, including the 2008, 2019 and 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
“Most recently, Kananelo guided African Stars FC to the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League. He holds a CAF A Licence and brings a coaching philosophy centred on discipline, tactical intelligence and player development.
“He will lead Marumo Gallants for the remainder of the 2026/27 season, starting with the club’s upcoming Betway Premiership fixture against Orlando Pirates.
“Marumo Gallants F.C. welcomes Coach Kananelo and looks forward to his contribution as the Club continues to compete and build for the future.”
During his playing days at Sundowns between 1997 and 2003, Kanalelo earned the nickname “Fikizolo” and won three consecutive PSL league titles (1997/98, 1998/99, 1999/00) under Ted Dumitru and Paul Dolezar.
Intriguingly, African Stars—the club Kanalelo led before joining Gallants—are set to face Orlando Pirates in the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.
Kanalelo’s first match in charge of Gallants will come against those very same Buccaneers at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on 20 September.
