Marumo Gallants have appointed a new head coach and are eager for him to take charge right away.
Ronny Kananelo, a former goalkeeper for Mamelodi Sundowns, has been brought in to lead the team for the remainder of the 2026/27 season.
Kananelo’s debut match will be challenging, as he faces Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership on Thursday. The club emphasized that they value his experience over any experimental approach.
“Kananelo brings extensive coaching and playing experience across Southern African football,” the club said.
As a former professional goalkeeper, he secured three league titles and a number of domestic honors with Mamelodi Sundowns.
He also represented Namibia 53 times and participated in the 1998 Africa Cup of Nations.
His coaching resume includes stints at UNAM FC, Black Africa, Bucks Buccaneers, African Stars, Maritzburg United, and Bloemfontein Celtic.
Additionally, he has been part of Namibia’s technical staff at AFCON in 2008, 2019, and 2023, and most recently guided African Stars into the CAF Champions League second preliminary round.
“He holds a CAF A Licence and brings a coaching philosophy centred on discipline, tactical intelligence, and player development,” Gallants added.
The appeal is clear: a former goalkeeper with a winning pedigree and a coach familiar with both local and international football—one the club wants in place immediately, rather than after an adjustment period.
“Marumo Gallants welcomes coach Kananelo and looks forward to his contribution as the club continues to compete and build for the future.”
However, the time for acclimatization is limited. The Pirates are pushing to close the gap with Sundowns in the league standings.
