Marumo Gallants Head Coach, Mpho Maleka.
By: Refilwe Sebola
When Marumo Gallants announced the appointment of their former coach, Mpho Maleka, in February of this year, soccer pundits were uncertain if he was the right choice, especially since the team was in the relegation zone.
The club had just parted ways with their English coach Steven Polack with only 13 games left before the end of the season. However, the gifted tactician, who is also a CAF B license holder, did not disappoint.
Thirteen games later, the club was saved from the relegation quagmire and finished in 11th position. They won their must-win last game against Orbit College 1-0 on Sunday and secured their status.
Maleka’s journey with the club started in February with a victory in his first game against Venda FC 1-0 at home. Although they lost their next two matches 2-0 at home to eventual champions Magezi and 1-0 away to second-placed Pretoria University two weeks later, they were nevertheless not discouraged, especially since they were forced to play both games with 10 men following red cards for two of their players in both matches.
“Bahlabane bantwa” as Marumo Gallants are known drew 1-1 with Upington City in their next game, lost 2-1 away to Castric and 1-0 to JDR Stars but bounced back afterwards with an away draw to Milford and three straight victories against Maritzburg United 1-0, Platinum City Rovers 3-0, and Black Leopards 1-0. After losing 2-0 to Baroka at the beginning of this month, they desperately needed to win their last two remaining games to secure their status.
It was Maleka’s guidance and attitude that led the club to their last two victories against a desperate MM Platinum and Orbit College, whom they beat 1-0 to move to position 11 in the standings, thus securing their position in the National First Division.
All in all, Maleka won six games, drew two, and lost five. He was over the moon on Sunday afternoon after the game and said he was very proud to have been able to save the club from relegation and praised God for success.