Malesela Banks On Dion’s Goal-Scoring Prowess
Marumo Gallants coach Dan Malesela explained his reasons for signing Junior Dion on loan from AmaZulu, stating that he wants goals and believes he is the coach best suited to get the best out of the Ivorian striker.
Dion was ineligible to play against his parent club this past weekend due to a standard loan clause. AmaZulu originally signed Dion from Gallants during the second half of the 2022/23 season. Prior to that, Dion, under Malesela’s guidance, helped Gallants reach the Nedbank Cup final, where they lost to Mamelodi Sundowns.
“Goals,” said Malesela when asked what he expects from Dion. “Obviously, the deals happen between both clubs (and that is why he couldn’t play).”
Such loan agreements often mean the parent club (in this case, AmaZulu) continues to pay the player’s full salary at the loaning club (Gallants) until the end of the season.
AmaZulu have joined Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates in implementing this policy of preventing loan players from playing against their parent club.
This practice, common in European football (Chelsea being a prominent example), has been used by Sundowns in the PSL for over a decade. Pirates adopted the rule this season after learning a harsh lesson last season when Goodman Mosele, on loan at Chippa United, scored against them.
This is why Katlego Otladisa, on loan from Pirates to Sekhukhune United, did not play against Pirates last week. Similarly, AmaZulu were unable to use Etiosa Ighodaro against Sundowns, even though Ighodaro has never played for the Brazilians.
“But primarily, I’m looking for goals,” continued Malesela regarding Dion. “Because we have the legs elsewhere. So, we just need him to score goals, and that’s all. Also, I’m not blowing my own trumpet, but I think I understand him (Dion) much better than anybody else.”
Dion’s future at AmaZulu appears uncertain, as his current contract expires at the end of the season. The loan suggests they do not see him as part of their plans beyond this season. The 31-year-old scored 14 goals in 47 appearances for Usuthu in all competitions.
