Is Dan Malesela one of those coaches who are seen as no more than a stop-gap manager while the team scours around for a permanent option? It seems that is the best way to describe him as his journeys around suggests.
The former Chippa United manager has not been at any club for more than two years, giving his detractors fodder for criticizing him.
Marumo Gallants announced the appointment of the 56-year-old as head coach. Following Gallant’s departure of Sébastien Migné, the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates player has taken over. Migné saw his appointment terminated after his run-in with the club’s technical director Harris Choeu. Dan Dance has taken over the job in the short term.
Following his appointment, Malesela has divulged his plans for the club. He intends to lay a firm foundation on which Gallants can build on.
Speaking on his stints at clubs, Malesela opposes the notion by his detractors that tenure at the clubs he has managed does not last long.
He jokingly said in an interview that he moved around, but it has not just been in and out of Chippa United.
According to Malesela, he doesn’t want to sound arrogant because of the other teams who will be his opponent. He, however, points out that his thoughts are how his team can be brilliant and do things that will benefit it in the long run.
“It’s not completely up to me, but up to the players to say, I’m raising my hand, I want to play. If there’s competition among the players, then it would help us succeed.”
Malesela also spoke on why he decided to hook up with Gallants.
“They’ve shown interest before. You know, when people keep coming and coming, you also look at the players they have, and you ask yourself, can I work with these guys?
“It’s difficult to know the structures of a team and to make conclusions when you don’t know other details that involve the club.
“But, eventually, I decided to let me go and work. I’ve got these players who can really do something, I think.