Marumo Gallants have confirmed the immediate dismissal of head coach Dan Malesela. The club also announced the departure of former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana coach Molefi Ntseki, who had been serving as technical director for several months.  

Assistant coaches Sundra Govender and Duncan Lechesa will take over on an interim basis.

“Marumo Gallants FC has released head coach Dan Malesela and technical director Molefi Ntseki following the club’s struggle to improve its league standing,” said the club in statement.   

“Currently 14th on the log with just four wins from 17 matches, Gallants is looking for a fresh approach.  

“The club appreciates their contributions and wishes them well in their future endeavors. 

“In the interim, assistant coaches Sundra Govender and Duncan Lechesa will oversee the team while the process of appointing a permanent head coach is finalized.” 

Malesela’s dismissal had been anticipated, as he was previously asked to step aside late last year, with Govender taking temporary charge. However, the results did not improve.

As Lechesa and Govender assume interim roles, the club is actively searching for a new head coach. “Discussions are underway with Moroccan coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who has arrived in South Africa to finalize negotiations with the club,” the club confirmed.  

Malesela’s second tenure with Gallants began at the start of the season, after initial appointee Dylan Kerr departed when offered a co-coaching role alongside Malesela. With Kerr’s departure, Malesela was appointed head coach.

Malesela previously coached Gallants from November 2021 to June 2022, leading them to the Nedbank Cup final, where they lost to Mamelodi Sundowns. He returned in September of that year, only to leave again in January 2023.

Malesela’s final match was a 3-1 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns at Dr. Molemela Stadium, despite Gallants initially taking the lead.