Former Gor Mahia coach Polack joins Gallants

Motsepe Foundation Championship outfit Marumo Gallants have appointed former Gor Mahia coach Steven Polack as the club’s new head coach.

ALSO READ: Sundowns coach Tshabalala expects tough tie against AS FAR

Polack replaces Pitso Dladla, who has been demoted to the assistant coach role at the team.

The English-born Polack, who used to play as a defender during his playing days, was announced as the new coach of Gallants on Wednesday.

“Marumo Gallants Football Club has appointed Steven Polack as head coach. The Uefa Pro-Licence holder English coach has extensive experience coaching football teams in Africa and Finland,” read a statement from the club.

“Polack will be assisted by Pitso Dladla who joined the club in August this year as head coach. Fani Mthethwa (former Baroka FC assistant coach) will be joining Baroka as an additional assistant coach. The restructure is aimed at strengthening Gallants’ technical team as Bahlabane ba Ntwa continues the journey in the National First Division (NFD) Motsepe Foundation Championship League this season. The club has parted ways with former assistant Rodney Moroka.”

“With a track record in excess of two decades, Polacks’ success includes leading FC Inter Turku from the third 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 and President Cup). His  achievements led to him to being announced as MTN coach of the year in 2017.”

“Polack also took Kenyan team Gor Mahia to league victory and has contributed to the progress of other clubs in Africa.”

The 62-year-old Polack says he is grateful for the opportunity of being the new Gallants coach and is looking forward to helping the team return to the DStv Premiership.

“The past is the past. I’m not concerned with what has happened at the club prior to my arrival. My focus is on the future, and a fresh start for Gallants. I would like to thank the club chairman Mr Abram Sello for this opportunity and I look forward to meeting and working with the team,” Polack was quoted as saying by the club.

ALSO READ: Pirates youngster set for another trial in Spain

The Englishman takes over at Gallants at the time when the club is sitting in 10th spot on the league standings after only managing to collect 13 points in 12 league games.

His first assignment will be a Limpopo derby tie against Black Leopards at Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday.