Marumo Gallants head coach Ronnie Kanalelo has opened up about the emotional experience of returning to Mamelodi Sundowns, admitting that the Tshwane giants will always hold a special place in his heart because of the important role they played in his professional football career.

Kanalelo's return to Sundowns brought back memories of his playing days at a club where he spent almost nine years developing his career. The experienced coach explained that his connection with the Brazilians remains particularly strong because they were the only professional team he represented as a footballer.

The former Sundowns player joined the club in 1997 and remained there until the beginning of 2006. During that period, the club became an important part of his personal and professional journey, making his recent return an emotional occasion rather than an ordinary football visit.

Reflecting on his experience, Kanalelo acknowledged that stepping back into familiar surroundings reminded him of the significant time he spent at the club and the memories he created throughout his playing career.

"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," he said.

His comments underline the lasting relationship he maintains with Sundowns despite now occupying the opposing technical bench as Marumo Gallants head coach.

Kanalelo's journey also highlights the different paths footballers can follow after retiring from professional football. Having spent much of his playing career at Sundowns, he has since transitioned into coaching, where he continues to contribute to South African football.

Although his responsibilities now lie with Gallants, his emotional reaction demonstrates that his years at Sundowns remain an unforgettable chapter of his football journey. His return provided an opportunity to reconnect with a club that helped shape the professional he eventually became.

Source:

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