In a move to try to change their fortunes, Marumo Gallants have appointed seasoned Finnish coach Steven Polack as their new head coach.
Polack, a UEFA Pro Licence holder, brings a wealth of experience, having successfully managed teams in Africa and Finland.
His appointment at Gallants is heralded as a turning point for the club as they suffered relegation from the DStv Premiership to the Motsepe Foundation Championship last season. Polack’s impressive coaching pedigree has instilled confidence in the Gallants’ management. They believe his expertise will help the club return to SA’s topflight.
The Limpopo side started poorly in the second-tier league as they are 10th on the log after 12 games. They have only won three matches, drew six and lost three with 15 points. However, it is still early in the season and they are within reach of Orbit College, who are at the summit of the log [seven points separates the two teams].
Polack will be expected to ensure Gallants return to the DStv Premiership and Englishman will be assisted by Pitso Dladla, who joined the club in August as head coach.
In a statement, Gallants said: “Fani Mthethwa (former Baroka F.C. Assistant Coach) will be joining Gallants as an additional assistant coach. “The restructure is aimed at strengthening Gallants’ technical team as Bahlabane ba Ntwa continue the journey in the National First Division (NFD) Motsepe Foundation Championship League this season. The club has parted ways with former Assistant Coach Rodney Moroka.
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GALLANTS OUTLINES STEVEN POLACK’S ACHIEVEMENTS
“With a track record in excess of two decades, Polack’s successes include leading FC Inter Turku from the 3rd division to the Premier League in Finland and taking home various accolades during his coaching time in Ghana (including the Super Cup in 2019, the MTN FA Cup, Glo Top 8 and President Cup).
“His achievements led to him being announced as MTN Coach of the Year in 2017. Polack also took Kenyan team Gor Mahia to league victory. He has contributed to the progress of other clubs in Africa.”
Meanwhile, Polack has expressed his gratitude to the club’s chairman Abram Sello for the opportunity to lead the club. He also said that he is excited for the future, insisting that the past should stay in the past. “The past is the past. I’m not concerned with what has happened at the club before my arrival. My focus is on the future, and a fresh start for Gallants,” he said.
“ I would like to thank the club chairman Mr Abram Sello for this opportunity. I look forward to meeting and working with the team.”