Marumo Gallants head coach Ronnie Kanalelo has cleared the air on winger Katlego Otladisa after unsavoury scenes in his debut match after succeeding Phuti Mohafe.
Otladisa showed his frustration after being withdrawn in Kanalelo’s first match in charge, sparking questions about the relationship between the player and the new coach.
However, Kanalelo has played down any suggestions of a personal fallout, explaining that Otladisa was replaced because he was not delivering the tactical effectiveness required, particularly in the defensive phase.
“People are talking about the relationship etc, but it’s a footballing issue, it was about the tactical aspect of the game, operation, effectiveness, if the player is not doing, or giving what we want, then our tactical operation will not work,” he said.
Kanalelo stressed that his expectations apply to every player in the squad, with the team’s tactical structure dependent on individuals carrying out their responsibilities on the pitch.
He added that Otladisa’s defensive contribution was a particular concern against Pirates, leaving Gallants on the back foot and prompting the decision to make an early change.
“The players are there to give us tactical effectiveness, that didn’t happen – defensively I was not happy with him and it put us a little bit on the back foot, nothing against Otladisa, as a human being – but Otladisa, the player on the pitch not giving what we wanted,” he added.
The coach’s comments suggest the substitution was a decision driven by his assessment of the team’s performance rather than a personal disagreement, as Gallants look to respond following their defeat to Pirates.