Marumo Gallants has confirmed that Dan Malesela has been granted a special leave of absence for undisclosed reasons.

A source revealed that both parties seem to be moving in different directions, particularly following the appointment of Sundra Govender as the second assistant coach.

This website learned on Tuesday that Govender was set to be appointed as an assistant coach to work alongside head coach Malesela, with Duncan Lechesa remaining as the second assistant. This appointment was officially confirmed on Wednesday morning.

“Marumo Gallants Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Sundra Govender as the club’s additional assistant coach,” said the club statement. 

“This appointment is part of the club’s strategic plan to strengthen the technical department. Govender comes with a wealth of experience in the soccer industry, including his last position as head coach of the Motsepe Foundation Championship side, Casric Stars.  

“Govender has already arrived in Bloemfontein to immediately start his job. He will work closely with Duncan Lechesa in the absence of Dan Malesela, who is currently on special leave attending to urgent family matters. Gallants will face Orlando Pirates on the 24th December 2024 at Orlando stadium.”  

Pressure mounted on Malesela after Gallants’ loss to Polokwane City on Sunday, ending a two-game winning streak.

Malesela, who was appointed during the off-season, steps away from the club while they sit 12th in the Betway Premiership table with 10 points from nine matches.

He joined Gallants at the start of the season after club chairman Abram Sello acquired the status of Moroka Swallows.

Additionally, Malesela’s position became increasingly untenable following the appointment of Molefi Ntseki as the club’s technical director a few weeks ago. In South African football, such an appointment often signals the impending departure of the head coach.

Malesela was not the club’s first choice for the head coach position. He was appointed as a stop-gap solution after Dylan Kerr resigned during the off-season without ever taking charge of the club. Kerr expressed dissatisfaction with the prospect of co-coaching with Malesela.

This marked Malesela’s third stint with Gallants. He previously led the club to the Nedbank Cup final in the 2021/22 season, where they lost to his former club, Mamelodi Sundowns.