Marumo Gallants have announced that head coach Dan Malesela was unable to travel with his side on to Democratic Republic of Congo after testing positive for Covid-19 on Friday.

Gallants were without their head coach as they suffered a 1-0 defeat by TP Mazembe in their Caf Confederation Cup playoffs first leg at the Stade TP Mazembe this past Sunday through an own goal by Lehlohonolo Noyane.

The 56-year-old coach is now expected to miss his side’s upcoming DStv Premiership clash with TS Galaxy at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday evening.

They will go into that encounter sitting in 15th place in the DStv Premiership standings, level on eight points with bottom-of-the-table Swallows FC and 14th-placed Baroka FC.

Gallants confirmed the news in an official statement:

“The newly appointed Marumo Gallants coach, Dan Malesela, was unable to travel with the team to the DRC for the CAF match against TP Mazembe, which took place today in Lubumbashi. Malesela tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday.

“Dan Dance, as he’s affectionately known, is currently in isolation but in high spirits. ‘I didn’t even know that I was infected because I don’t feel sick. I am feeling good and [am] in isolation to protect my team, family, and other people I may come into contact with. I’m glad that I am fully vaccinated and looking forward to going back to be with the boys after my isolation period,’ said Malesela.

“The team has since taken several COVID-19 tests over the past two days before the game in the DRC, which all came out negative. 1st Assistant coach, Raymond Mdaka will continue as caretaker coach until Malesela resumes work after isolation. The club Chairman, Abram Sello, and the team wished Malesela a speedy recovery. Marumo Gallants lost 1-0 against TP Mazembe this afternoon at Stade TP Mazembe in the CAF Confederation Cup play offs Leg 1. The Gallants will meet TP Mazembe again on the 5th of December in Polokwane for Leg 2.

“Meanwhile, South African Consular General Nocicelo Mbele visited the team and wished them well ahead of the game this morning.

“The Gallants will on Wednesday [1 December] play against TS Galaxy in the DSTV League at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.”