Former Marumo Gallants coach Mpho Maleka is now head coach of the new National First Division side Lerumo United.
By: Refilwe Sebola
Former Premier Soccer League side Marumo Gallants assistant coach, Mpho Maleka has confidently embraced the role of head coach for the new National First Division team, Leruma United.
Based in Daveyton in the Gauteng Province, Leruma United acquired their National First Division status from Marumo Gallants, who are now actively participating in the Premier Soccer League (PSL). Maleka’s transition to Lerumo United ensued the departure of his preferred coach, Dylan Kerr, from Marumo Gallants, with whom he served as an assistant coach.
The English coach resigned from the club before the commencement of the new PSL season and was replaced by ex Baroka coach Dan Malesela.
Maleka expressed his deep appreciation for being entrusted with the responsibility of leading Lerumo in their inaugural season in the competitive National First Division league.
The team, which still retains some of its players from the previous season when they competed in the Hollywood Bets league after being relegated from the demanding Gauteng ABC Motsepe league in the 2022/23 season, is eager to capitalize on Maleka’s experience. Furthermore, Lerumo has made several new signings to bolster their team with essential experience.
Acknowledging the formidable challenge ahead, Maleka who is a CAF B license holder exhibited unwavering confidence in his capacity to navigate it. He spoke affirmatively about the environment at his new club and emphasized the critical need for the players’ hunger for success.
Maleka stated, “Here I am in a good space. I acknowledge the challenge due to it being a new team, yet I relish challenges. As long as the players exhibit hunger, we will undoubtedly excel.”
Lerumo United will start their NFD league campaign with a home fixture against Pretoria Callies at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium this Saturday at 15h00. Their second game will be an away fixture against Limpopo-based Black Leopard FC the following weekend.