Marumo Gallants coach Ronnie Kananelo has clarified that his early substitution of Katlego Otladisa was purely tactical, dismissing any suggestion of a personal rift. The incident occurred during the 2-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on 20 September, a result that left Gallants 16th in the Premier Soccer League with just two points from seven games.
Kananelo, who took charge in September, substituted the 30-year-old winger after just 22 minutes in that match. Otladisa was visibly upset, snubbing a handshake and engaging in a verbal exchange that required teammates to intervene. Speaking at the Carling Knockout Last 16 draw in Fourways this week, the coach explained his reasoning.
Ronnie Kananelo stated the decision was based on tactical effectiveness. "It's all about tactical operation and the tactical effectiveness," Kananelo said. "If you have a job to do on the field and you don't do that, then it means the effectiveness will not be there, which affect the tactical approach."
He stressed the matter was closed and not personal. "It's a football issue, it doesn't have to do with Otladisa as person but Otladisa not doing the job for the team - that's it. It's nothing more, nothing less." Both men have since put the disagreement behind them and continue to work together. Otladisa rejoined the club on a free transfer last season and made 20 appearances, providing four assists.
The team's focus is now squarely on halting a poor run of form. Since that loss to Pirates, Gallants have also been beaten 1-0 by Amazulu, leaving them with a recent record of two losses and a draw. They have scored only five league goals while conceding thirteen, leaving them 21 points adrift of leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
Their next challenge is an away trip to face Sekhukhune United, who sit sixth in the standings. The match at Peter Mokaba Stadium kicks off at 18:00 on Saturday, offering a chance to build momentum. Kananelo's immediate task is to translate his clear tactical demands into points on the board, starting with this weekend's fixture. The coach will be demanding a significant improvement in goal minutes, as his side has conceded an average of one goal every 48 minutes of play so far this season.
The report in full is at KickOff
