Ronnie Kanalelo Opens Up on Emotional Mamelodi Sundowns Return ‘It Was My Home for a Very Long Time’

Marumo Gallants head coach Ronnie Kanalelo has reflected on the emotions of returning to Mamelodi Sundowns, the club where he spent a significant part of his professional playing career.

The Namibian tactician admitted that stepping back into familiar surroundings brought back memories of his years at Chloorkop, where he played from 1997 until the beginning of 2006.

Kanalelo's return carried particular significance because Sundowns were the only professional club he represented during his playing career. Having spent almost nine years with the Pretoria-based side, he said the experience naturally stirred emotions.

“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 – so that’s a long time, of course when you come here, you feel something,” Kanalelo said, as quoted by iDiski Times.

The former goalkeeper explained that seeing the stadium and familiar faces among the supporters reminded him of the special moments he experienced while representing the Brazilians.

“You look at the stadium, remember the good games here, some of the same fans are still around,” he added.

Kanalelo's association with Sundowns dates back to 1997, when he joined the club after impressing in Namibian football. During his time in Pretoria, he was part of a successful era in which the Brazilians won three league titles, alongside other domestic honours.

He also represented Namibia at the 1998 Africa Cup of Nations, earning recognition as one of the country's notable football figures.

Despite the emotional significance of the occasion, Kanalelo was clear that his current responsibilities lie with Marumo Gallants. He stressed that football is a professional environment and that his focus must remain on serving his present club.

“It's the game of football, I'm in a different space now and that's where I have to give me all, it's about being a professional,” he explained.

His comments underline the contrast between personal memories and the demands of his current role. While Sundowns remain an important part of his football journey, Kanalelo is now tasked with guiding Gallants and improving the team's performances.

The return also came during a difficult period for Gallants. The club had appointed Kanalelo in September 2026 following the departure of Phuti Mohafe, with the new coach brought in to help turn around the team's fortunes.

For Kanalelo, the occasion was therefore about more than a football match. It was a return to a place he once called home, filled with memories of his playing days, familiar faces and an important chapter in his career.

As he continues his work at Marumo Gallants, the former Sundowns goalkeeper will be hoping to create a successful new chapter, while acknowledging the lasting significance of the club that gave him his professional football home.

Link:https://x.com/iDiskiTimes/status/2116496562570359268?a=FgDoa3kG7l5xOlYpNtM&s=19