Former Gor Mahia coach lands coaching job in South Africa

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FOOTBALL Former Gor Mahia coach lands coaching job in South Africa

Festus Chuma 15:02 - 15.11.2023

Former K'Ogalo coach returns to coaching in Africa after resigning while on holiday two years ago.

Former Gor Mahia head coach Steven Polack has made a comeback to African football after being appointed as the head coach of South African outfit Marumo Gallants.

This move comes two years after his unexpected resignation from Gor Mahia in October 2020 while on holiday with his family in Finland.

Polack, a UEFA Pro-Licence holder English coach, brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having previously coached football teams in both Africa and Finland.

"The UEFA Pro-Licence holder English coach has extensive experience coaching football teams in Africa and Finland," the club stated in their announcement of Polack's appointment.

The Bahlabane Ba Ntwa also revealed that Polack would be assisted by Pitso Dladla, who joined the team in August as the Head Coach, and Fani Mthethwa, a former Assistant Coach at Baroka F.C., who will join Gallants as an additional Assistant Coach.

This restructuring of the technical team aims to strengthen Gallants as they continue their journey in the National First Division (NFD) Motsepe Foundation Championship League this season, with the departure of former Assistant Coach Rodney Moroka.

Commenting on his appointment, Polack expressed his enthusiasm for the fresh start at Marumo Gallants.

"The past is the past - I am 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 look forward to meeting and working with the team," he said.

Polack, with a coaching career spanning over two decades, has an impressive track record.

Notably, he led FC Inter Turku from the 3rd division to the Premier League in Finland, earning various accolades during his time coaching in Ghana, including the Super Cup in 2019, the MTN FA Cup, Glo Top 8, and President Cup.

His remarkable achievements led to him being named the MTN Coach of the Year in 2017.

Polack's departure from Gor Mahia in 2020 while on holiday is a situation that brings to mind a recurring trend at the Kenyan club.

Former coaches Dylan Kerr, Hassan Oktay, and José Marcelo Ferreira, affectionately known as Ze Maria, all left the club while on holiday and did not return, leaving the club and its fans surprised and in search of new leadership. 

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