Marumo Gallants FC head coach Dan Malesela has brought Joseph 'Tight' Molangoane out of retirement as he prepares to take on Kaizer Chiefs.
Gallants will open their 2024/25 Premiership Season at their new home at Free State Stadium, in what looks set to be the biggest match this weekend.
The 36-year-old right-winger who played about four seasons at Chiefs, will also work closely with the club's technical team as he is being prepared for a coaching role at Siwelele Sa Marumo.
"Molangoane, he can still play. Remember, I have already explained that to me, age is not important. Whether you are 14 or 44, as long as you can deliver, I'm happy," Malesela tells KickOff.
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"Although I have passion for young players, sometimes we send people to retirement too early when they can still do the job.
"So yes, Molangoane is our player, he's still got the speed, and got here the same day I arrived. But all along, I knew where he was, there was this team he was coaching in Limpopo.
"Because at the same time, I'm trying to empower these young coaches while they are still playing so that they don't struggle when they go to coaching courses and stuff.
"So you will see him on Saturday, but it's a different role. We are ready for the season. I'm pleased with the team, how they respond to training and everything, and how they take instructions," the coach added.
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"I'm pleased that they don't show a lot of anxiety, they are very calm. I think it has to do with the fact that we've got a lot of experienced players. So they know the situation.
"Whatever they discuss as players amongst themselves seems to be good. We are playing at home so we will be playing for a win.
"We want to convince the supporters because everybody here is new, the supporters are new, we want to show them that we are here for a reason, not just to add numbers.
"I don't like predicting the scores, but I'm confident that we can win," the coach concluded.
The clash takes place on Saturday at 17:30 at the Free State Stadium.
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