On Friday, Malesela, along with the Botshabelo-born-and-raised former Bafana Bafana coach Molefi Ntseki, were relieved of their duties just days after Gallants squandered a lead to lose 3-1 to the seven-time defending champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, in Bloemfontein. Gallants led 1-0 at half-time, but sloppy defending in the second half saw the Brazilians score three goals to secure three valuable points.

Before their defeat against Sundowns, Gallants suffered back-to-back losses in Durban last week, going down 2-1 to a ten-man Richards Bay and 2-0 to AmaZulu. 

Despite this, Gallants managed to beat AmaZulu in Bloemfontein to book a spot in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals, where they will face Durban City FC (formerly Maritzburg United) at Chatsworth Stadium. However, Gallants were somewhat fortunate to beat Usuthu in the Round of 16, as the visitors had a goal controversially disallowed – once again highlighting the poor officiating in South African football and the urgent need for VAR.

Molefi Ntseki. Photo: BackpagePix

After 17 PSL rounds, Marumo Gallants are dangerously close to the relegation zone. They sit in 14th place with 15 points, just one point ahead of Clinton Larsen’s Magesi FC.

Royal AM currently occupies the bottom spot on the log but has not played since 29 December 2024 due to their suspension by the league for failing to meet their fixture commitments. Relegation would be disastrous for the club, as they purchased their PSL status from Moroka Swallows during the off-season and relocated to Bloemfontein to bring top-flight football back to the Free State.

Sundra Govender, who recently joined as an assistant coach, will take over as interim head coach, assisted by Duncan Lechesa.

The club confirmed Malesela and Ntseki’s departures, and former Moroccan international Abdeslam Ouaddou is in South Africa to negotiate terms, with a strong likelihood of taking over as head coach.

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

Former Atlas Lions centre-back Abdeslam Ouaddou previously played for Fulham and Olympiacos. Photo: X

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

“Discussions are underway with Moroccan coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who has arrived in South Africa to conclude negotiations with the club.”

Govender’s first task will be to prepare Gallants for their crucial PSL fixture against Polokwane City, scheduled for Sunday at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium, also known as The Slaughterhouse. Kick-off is set for 15:30.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek