Former Marumo Gallants head coach Dan Malesela has revealed how he improved in-demand striker Ranga Chivaviro and also weighed in on the interest for Lesiba Nku and Katlego Otladisa.
Malesela had two spells in charge of Gallants from the 2021/22 season where his contract was renewed at the end of the campaign and he went on to be an assistant coach at Royal AM.
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The former Orlando Pirates defender, however, returned for his second spell at Bahlabane Ba Ntwa in September last year but was put on suspension and was eventually relieved of his duties early this year, as the Limpopo side were rock bottom of the table.
However, Malesela left a lasting impression on the supporters and players and has revealed that he fine-tuned striker Chivaviro to the player he has become, as he believed he was taught the "wrong things" in his position. Both Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are reportedly vying for the signature of Chivaviro, as revealed by the Siya crew, after the Limpopo native scored 10 goals in the DStv Premiership and seven goals in the CAF Confederation Cup campaign en route to the semi-finals.
"The funny part is that the players I have coached move on to bigger clubs, most of the times and the funny part is that players that have moved from clubs I've coached have somehow gone to Pirates, I don't know why," Malesela said on PowerSport Extra.
"If truth be told, I said to him (Chivaviro), 'Hey, you know somebody, somewhere wasted your time in terms of teaching you how to relate to the striking position.
"And I think there's quite a number of things he has taken from what I said. Because for me he was taught bad things, for instance, not being a team player," he said.
"Because football has changed so much that even when you're a striker, you really have to share with other people. But I don't think he was taught that he can share but now he can."
Another player who is reportedly on his way to a big team following Gallants' relegation is Lesiba Nku, who has been linked with Mamelodi Sundowns, although the Siya crew has revealed that Sekhukhune United, who initially showed interest in the player, are in the picture, having offered him a counter deal in terms of a salary package. Malesela says he has always seen the potential of Nku from his days at Polokwane City.
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"Lesiba Nku, I just saw him a little bit at Polokwane City and I said, 'If this boy understands what he's got, if he really knew the potential he had, he will not last long here'," he said.
Katlego Otladisa has also been rumoured to be on his way to Pirates and the former Chippa United coach went on and weighed in on the possibility of Otladisa joining the Buccaneers.
"Otladisa, he has always been a good player. I just think the challenge is a little bit in the head sometimes, if he changes that, he'll be a good asset for Pirates, a very good asset," he added.
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