African Stars are exploring what recourse is available following Ronnie Kanalelo’s move to Marumo Gallants, with the Namibian champions insisting there was no formal engagement between the two clubs.
Gallants officially unveiled the former Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper as their new head coach on Monday evening, just two months after he signed a two-year contract with African Stars.
Stars chairman Salomo Hei confirmed that the club is seeking advice on the contractual implications of Kanalelo’s departure before deciding whether to take the matter further.
Kanalelo joined African Stars in July and had already guided them into the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League. However, he remained in South Africa after their victory over Gabonese outfit AS Mangasport at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday to finalise his move to Bahlabane Ba Ntwa.
His departure has left Stars searching for a replacement at a critical stage of their continental campaign. The club is also working to determine whether it has any recourse under his contract.
AFRICAN STARS EXPLORING AVAILABLE RECOURSE
“From African Stars’ perspective, we are working on immediate remedial action. Our priority is to appoint a competent coach who can prepare the team properly and guide us into the group stages,” Hei told FARPost.
“We are also consulting and exploring our options regarding the contractual issues involving the coaches so that we can bring closure and finality to the matter.
“There has been no formal communication with African Stars [from Marumo Gallants].”
While Stars seek clarity and work to resolve the contractual matter, Kanalelo has already begun a new chapter in the Betway Premiership. Gallants appointed the Namibian tactician after parting ways with Phuti Mohafe and his assistant, Musa Bilankulu, following a difficult start to the 2026/27 campaign.
Mohafe arrived ahead of the season after impressing at Polokwane City but failed to win any of his first five league matches. Gallants collected only two points from a possible 15, recording two draws and three defeats before the club pulled the trigger.
WHAT GALLANTS SAID ABOUT KANALELO
In announcing Kanalelo’s appointment, Gallants highlighted his experience as both a player and coach across Southern Africa.
“Marumo Gallants FC is pleased to announce the appointment of Filemon Ronny Kanalelo as the Club’s new Head Coach,” the club said. “Kanalelo brings extensive coaching and playing experience across Southern African football.
“Most recently, Kanalelo guided African Stars FC to the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League. He holds a CAF A Licence and brings a coaching philosophy centred on discipline, tactical intelligence, and player development.”
The former Namibia international, who earned 53 caps for his country, takes charge of Gallants for the remainder of the season. His first assignment will be a Betway Premiership encounter against Orlando Pirates on Sunday, 20 September.
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