Windhoek: Namibia's former senior national football team assistant coach Ronny Kanalelo has become the first Namibian to take up a head coaching position in the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL). The former Brave Warriors and Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper has signed a two-year contract with Betway Premiership outfit Marumo Gallants.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Kanalelo was in charge of African Stars during their 2026 CAF preliminary-round campaign over the weekend, guiding the Namibian side to victory over Gabonese outfit AS Mangasport to advance to the next round. Speaking to Nampa on Monday, Kanalelo said negotiations with Gallants had been ongoing for some time before the move was finalized.

"I finalized everything with the club and am looking forward to working with the team. My first game as their coach will be this coming weekend against Orlando Pirates," he said. The appointment marks another significant step in Kanalelo's coaching career, having previously worked as a goalkeeper coach at South African clubs Maritzburg United and Bloemfontein Celtic.

Despite Gallants' difficult start to the 2026/27 season, Kanalelo said he welcomed the challenge and was eager to get to work. "I am happy to have led African Stars once again, but the move to South Africa is also an equally important challenge for my career as a coach," he said.

Kanalelo replaces Phuti Mohafe, who was appointed Marumo Gallants head coach in June. He takes charge of a Gallants side currently bottom of the 16-team Betway Premiership standings with two points from six matches. His first assignment will be against defending champions Orlando Pirates at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg on Saturday. Pirates are currently second on the log with 13 points from five matches, presenting Kanalelo with an immediate test as he begins his first head coaching role in the South African top flight.