After helping Marumo Gallants survive relegation last season, coach Mpho Maleka has opened up on taking up an opportunity to help another Motsepe Foundation Championship side avoid the axe.
Maleka has been appointed as head coach at struggling Pretoria Callies with a few games to play. The former Moroka Swallows striker has been in charge of three matches so far, with two defeats and one win.
The win took them to position 12 on the log standings with their fate in their hands. Callies are left with matches against Baroka FC, Hungry Lions and JDR Stars. The 46-year-old is unfazed by the challenge and says there is no easy job in coaching.
HOW COACH MPHO MALEKA PLANS TO NAVIGATE THE NEW TASK AT PRETORIA CALLIES
“Why not? [Take the gig at Callies]. In coaching, there is no easy job,” Maleka told FARPost.
“Every position that you will get is difficult as long as it’s a coaching job. That’s why whenever I am called in to come and help, I jump. I have never been in a comfortable position in my coaching or playing career.
“So it’s what I am used to, and it’s what I enjoy doing. Learning doesn’t stop. So this is another chapter that I need to make sure that the team achieves their goals.”
PRETORIA CALLIES NEED TO WIN ALL THEIR MATCHES TO SURVIVE THE CHOP
“It was important for us first to get a win against Milford, so we get the composure, confidence and the winning mentality. We have to work more on players’ mentality, as this time of the season is more mental. The boys have shown that they are going to fight until the end.”
“All our remaining games are important. They are all cup finals and it’s the matches that will ensure that we remain in the league.”
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