On-form Marumo Gallants midfielder Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo says now more than ever a place in the top eight is a reality, crediting coach Dan ‘Dance’ Malesela for the turn of fortunes.
Maselela has guided the Limpopo side to seven wins, four draws and two defeats in his 13 Premiership matches since taking over in mid-November. The impressive run saw them leap from the basement of the table to 10th place.
Ndlondlo has been a vital cog in the turnaround, notching seven goals in the last six games and believes they are capable of hurting any team in the PSL.
“It’s been great; he has brought much positivity to the team. We are in a great environment; people are happy and express themselves to their full potential,” Ndlondlo told FARPost.
Under the former TS Galaxy and Chippa mentor, Gallants have transformed into a side that passes and moves the ball with some admirable rotation in the middle of the park. Ndlondlo believes Malesela’s philosophy suits the players at the club.
“We can face any team – big or small. The coach has changed the style of play, and we have several ball-players in the team, which works out perfectly. We can express ourselves in a good and respectable way. We complement that with scoring goals,” Ndlondlo added.
He is convinced that a top-eight place is not a farfetched dream. “We want the top eight and we going to achieve it.”
On a personal level, the diminutive midfielder said Malesela had given him a new lease of life and some freedom to express his creativity. “He allows a player to play to their full potential. This kind of philosophy suits me very well. He also believes in me. He gives me the freedom to do things I want as long as they benefit the team,” the 26-year-old said.
Gallants visit Cape Town City in the Mother City on Saturday for their DStv Premiership tie at 17h30 as they seek to continue their resurgence.
