Leruma United head coach Mpho “Zico” Maleka.
By: Refilwe Sebola
Leruma United, under the adept leadership of Coach Mpho “Zico” Maleka, has achieved consecutive victories in the National First Division.
The team recorded a commendable 2-0 triumph against Cape Town Spurs two weeks ago, followed by a closely contested 1-0 victory against the formidable Casric Stars at their home ground, the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium. These accomplishments have elevated Leruma United to 11th place in the standings, accumulating a total of nine points from seven matches played.
The newly established club, based in the Gauteng Province, emerged from the acquisition of Marumo Gallants’ status and has brought in former Gallants Coach Maleka, who reportedly left his former team following the departure of English coach Dylan Kerr, with whom he had experienced notable success.
Since assuming his current position, Maleka, who possesses a CAF B coaching license, has overseen a total of seven matches, achieving three victories and four losses. This tenure encompasses a narrow 1-0 defeat at home to Pretoria Callies, a 2-0 loss away to the sixth-placed Black Leopards, as well as another 1-0 home defeat to second-placed Upington City. Coach Maleka’s inaugural victory was a 1-0 win against Venda FC away, albeit this success was followed by a challenging 3-0 home defeat to fourth-placed JDR Stars. Despite earlier setbacks, the recent victories indicate a positive trajectory, marked by two consecutive wins.
Should this momentum be sustained, Leruma United could be poised to contend for promotion to the Premier Soccer League. In prior discussions, Coach Maleka has consistently conveyed confidence in the players’ understanding of his tactical philosophy, emphasizing their significant dominance even in matches that resulted in losses.
This weekend, Leruma United is set to face third-placed Milford, a team that has suffered only one defeat and secured four victories thus far this season.