Former Mamelodi Sundowns Star Named As Premier Soccer League Side New Head Coach
- Marumo Gallants confirmed the appointment of former Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronny Kananelo as their new head coach on 14 September 2026
- Kananelo takes over from Phuti Mohafe, who was dismissed after collecting just two points from six Betway Premiership matches
- The 55-year-old Namibia international brings CAF Champions League experience to a Gallants side sitting at the bottom of the log
PAY ATTENTION: Mark Briefly News as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!
Marumo Gallants have appointed Filemon Ronny Kananelo as their new head coach, with the 55-year-old taking charge of the Betway Premiership club for the rest of the 2026/27 campaign.
Source: Getty Images
The club confirmed Kananelo’s appointment on 14 September 2026. He replaces Phuti Mohafe, who was dismissed last week after Gallants endured a poor opening to the season.
The team managed just two draws and suffered three defeats in their first six matches, leaving them bottom of the league standings with only two points.
Kananelo's playing and coaching career
The former Namibian international enjoyed a highly successful playing career with Mamelodi Sundowns, winning three league championships along with several domestic honours. He also represented Namibia 53 times at international level.
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
He was part of Namibia’s squad at the 1998 Africa Cup of Nations before later joining the national team’s technical staff for the 2008, 2019 and 2023 editions of the continental tournament.
Kananelo has since built an extensive coaching résumé across southern Africa. His previous roles have included spells with UNAM FC, Black Africa FC, Bucks Buccaneers FC, African Stars FC, Maritzburg United and Bloemfontein Celtic.
His latest achievement came with African Stars, whom he guided past Burundian club Mangansport in the opening preliminary round of the CAF Champions League. That victory secured a place in the second preliminary round, where African Stars were handed a challenging tie against Orlando Pirates.
Gallants turn to experienced hand
In its official announcement, the club pointed to Kananelo’s coaching qualifications, including his CAF A Licence, while outlining a philosophy built around discipline, tactical awareness and developing players.
Marumo Gallants confirmed Filemon Ronny Kananelo as their new head coach, welcoming the appointment as part of the club’s plans to remain competitive while building for the future.
Kananelo will face an immediate challenge in his first match in charge, with his opening assignment coming against Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership. The fixture will provide an early test against one of South Africa’s strongest sides.
Sundowns strengthen squad ahead of FIFA Intercontinental Cup
Briefly News also reported that Mamelodi Sundowns bolstered their defence with the arrival of former Orlando Pirates right-back Deano van Rooyen after Khuliso Mudau’s injury setback.
The 29-year-old signed a multi-year contract with the reigning Betway Premiership champions after his Pirates deal was ended by mutual agreement. Van Rooyen now gives Miguel Cardoso an additional option at right-back as the Brazilians balance their domestic schedule with their FIFA Intercontinental Cup commitments.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay informed and follow us on Google News!
Source: Briefly News
