Marumo Gallants head coach Ronnie Kanalelo has opened up about his emotional return to Mamelodi Sundowns, admitting that stepping back into familiar surroundings brought back special memories from an important chapter of his football career.

Kanalelo, who spent almost a decade at the Tshwane giants, reflected on his long association with the club and explained why returning to an institution that played such a significant role in his professional journey was an emotional experience.

The experienced coach revealed that Sundowns were the only professional club he represented during his playing career, making his connection with the Brazilians particularly special.

"I'm emotional about it, I only had one professional team in my career, I spent a lot of time here, coming in 1997, I left here in the beginning of 2006," Kanalelo said.

His comments highlight the strong relationship he developed with Sundowns during his playing days. Having joined the club in 1997 and departed in early 2006, he spent several important years representing one of South Africa's biggest football institutions.

For Kanalelo, the return was therefore about much more than football. It was an opportunity to reconnect with a club that shaped his professional career and provided him with experiences that remain important to him.

Sundowns have continued to establish themselves as one of the dominant forces in South African football, building a reputation for consistency, quality and success both domestically and on the continental stage.

The club's transformation over the years has also seen several former players and football personalities maintain strong connections with the institution, demonstrating the lasting impact it has had on their careers.

Meanwhile, Kanalelo is now focused on his responsibilities at Marumo Gallants, where he is working to build a competitive team capable of making its mark in the Betway Premiership.

His return to Sundowns also serves as a reminder of the different journeys football personalities experience after leaving the clubs where they made their names.

Although his current responsibilities lie elsewhere, Kanalelo's emotional remarks show that his connection with the Brazilians remains strong.

For supporters who remember his time at the club, his latest comments offer a glimpse into the personal significance of returning to a place that played such an important role in his football journey.

Source https://x.com/iDiskiTimes/status/2116496562570359268?a=MdO-qkWJ-3Y1ocRBnIU&s=19