‘Some people think they know better’
KICK OFF: Coach, from the time you took over the reins at Marumo Gallants, what do you make of your progress so far?
Dan Malesela: There’s a huge improvement in terms of playing. I will be selfish if I don’t say that I am satisfied with the response of the players. They are responding very well. I think people may see a very different approach from us going forward.
It’s fascinating how you always stick to your beliefs in terms of playing style and philosophy. That can’t be easy for you, given that people often criticise you for playing positive football even though results are not forthcoming. Do you feel people don’t understand you?
People don’t understand that sometimes you when are doing these things, whatever you are implementing might be bigger than the players or it might suit the players. It also depends on resources because I am implementing these things that are very deep. To play for a team that I coach is not easy when you are a player because I don’t like mistakes. I believe that if you are a professional and you can’t pass, then I have a serious problem. If you can’t control the ball, I have a serious problem. If we call ourselves professionals, we must be able to do what professionals do.
