TS Galaxy has announced the return of Dan Malesela, the coach who guided the Rockets to Nedbank Cup glory, just hours after confirming that they will play in the top flight next season following the acquisition of Highlands Park’s PSL status.
Malesela engineered the Nedbank Cup final win over Kaizer Chiefs, as he etched Galaxy’s name in the history of South African football by becoming the first second-division team to claim the trophy.
However, he then resigned in February. Mabhuti Khenyeza came in and steered Galaxy to 10th place in the GladAfrica Championship in the second half of the 2019-20 season and he will now be in charge of development and the MultiChoice Diski Challenge reserve team.
Galaxy on Thursday morning confirmed the much-reported deal has gone through‚ saying in a statement that their First Division (NFD) status will be “sold back to its former holders‚ Cape Town All Stars”.
Highlands have confirmed the Premier Soccer League (PSL) has approved the deal.
Galaxy announced the news in a statement:
“As part of the club’s ongoing efforts of building a highly competitive side ahead of the new season‚ some key changes have been made to the club’s technical department.
“The Rockets are excited to welcome back Dan ‘Dance’ Malesela who will serve as the head coach of the club.
“The accomplishments of Malesela with TS Galaxy are well documented‚ having led the club to its historic Nedbank Cup triumph‚ which has made TS Galaxy the only club from the lower ranks to win South Africa’s FA Cup.
“Malesela will be assisted by Esau Mtsweni‚ who joined the club last season as an assistant coach.
“Another technical change will then see Mabhuti Khenyeza shifting focus to the development structures of the club as head coach of the MultChoice Diski Challenge [MDC] side.
“In addition‚ the Rockets are proud to welcome former Bidvest Wits FC player and goalkeeper-coach Tyron Damons, who will be heading up the goalkeeping department.
“Veteran defender Thabo Nthethe‚ who signed with the club last season, will now serve as the team manager. Nthethe captained the club in his last professional match in TS Galaxy colours in the win against Uthongathi FC in the last match of the season.
“As the only club from the Mpumalanga province competing in the Premiership‚ The Rockets will make use of the iconic Mbombela Stadium as their home venue for the upcoming season.
“This is as a result of the unavailability of club’s traditional home base‚ Kameelrivier Stadium‚ as it does not meet the standards of hosting premiership fixtures as prescribed by the NSL Rules.
“The club will soon make further announcements on its squad composition for next season.”
