The reality facing Dan Malesela through his third coaching stint at Marumo Gallants is giving a clear indication of just how uncomfortable he will get with another defeat this week.
Gallants have travelled to Tshwane, where champions Mamelodi Sundowns will be waiting on Tuesday at Loftus Versfeld (17:30).
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This trip has come with Malesela having lost the two opening matches of the Betway Premiership, against Kaizer Chiefs and Golden Arrows respectively.
Tuesday will not get any easier for Malesela upon arrival in his hometown where he has to swim in crocodile infested waters.
Truth is that the deeper you sink into the mud early in the season, the more difficult it becomes to then get out.
Malesela will know all too well about that in a situation that will dictate that minus whatever happens against Sundowns, he then needs to win the next two games against AmaZulu FC and TS Galaxy.
From there, they will have difficult trips to Stellenbosch FC and SuperSport United, before they host Orlando Pirates as the season reaches the quarter mark.
Malesela was appointed during pre-season after Dylan Kerr walked out in frustration about the operations at the club, where president Abram Sello calls the shots.
In the meanwhile, Gallants have already turned to Duncan Lechesa to work as Malesela's assistant.
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Lechesa was the head coach at Venda FC in the Motsepe Foundation Championship in his previous job but has now moved to join the club now based in his hometown.
Gallants also have Rasikan Moodley working as an assistant.