New Marumo Gallants coach Ronnie Kanalelo has been described as a highly professional tactician who inspires his players to fight for him and possesses an exceptional understanding of the game.
That glowing assessment comes from former SuperSport United defender Lyema Dopolo, who played under Kanalelo at both FC Ongos and African Stars.
The pair enjoyed a successful spell together at Ongos, where Dopolo captained a defence that conceded a league-low 15 goals in 30 matches.
Kanalelo takes over at Gallants following Phuti Mohafe’s departure, inheriting a side that endured a difficult start to the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season.
While the former Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper faces the immediate task of turning results around, Dopolo believes the demanding coach will forge strong relationships with his players.
“It is difficult to describe the coach in words. He is an exceptional and highly professional coach who drives his players and gets the best out of them,” Dopolo told FARPost. He is the kind of coach who makes players go onto the field determined to fight for him. That is the environment he has created for us. He also instils confidence in his players. His football brain and understanding of the game are second to none. I have tremendous respect for him.”
KANALELO’S INFLUENCE IN DOPOLO’S MOVE
Perhaps the biggest indication of Kanalelo’s influence is that he played an important role in convincing Dopolo to move to the Namibian champions. The South African defender joined the Windhoek giants after the coach had already made the switch.
“He moved to African Stars before I did. And he had a great influence on my decision to join the club,” Dopolo explained.
Kanalelo leaves African Stars after guiding them past Gabonese outfit AS Mangasport in the CAF Champions League. Namibia’s representatives in the CAF Champions League overturned a 3-1 first-leg defeat to progress. They delivered the kind of spirited response Dopolo described, from a team willing to fight for its coach.
The former Brave Warriors mentor must quickly restore confidence and get the players pulling in the same direction at Gallants. He is expected to be on the bench when Gallants host Orlando Pirates at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Sunday.
Bahlabane Ba Ntwa are at the bottom of the league. This follows a run of six opening games without a win.
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