Dan Malesela defends coaching philosophy amid PSL promotion push

Malesela’s success in leading Baroka to the promotional play-offs underscores the effectiveness of his approach, and he insists clubs should adhere to philosophies that suit them and their players, a principle he upheld through his tenures at Chippa United, TS Galaxy, and Marumo Gallants. 

The former Orlando Pirates captain remains unwavering in his commitment to his teams’ style of play, and has absolutely no intention of altering this stance.

"I always try and let us move away from this thing of saying, 'Football there is like this, and football here is like this.' I don't think so. Football is football for me," defended Malesela.

"When you say that, it means players will not move [elsewhere in the world], if the football is like that then players will not move there. So, football is football, it just depends on what you want it to be as a club and as a coach.

"As a club having this philosophy, if you like what you're doing and you think it's attractive,

then it's fine. I'm one who worries about who is looking at me, and who is looking at us? I worry about the football because I don't people to say, 'At least he wins, shame.'"

In the era of the modern game, where percentage football has taken over and results have driven how teams apply themselves on the pitch, Malesela says it’s important that spectators are entertained.

"People must talk when they get home, 'Did you see that boy? Did you see that move? Did you see these things?' That's how we entertain people, that's how interesting this game must be," added the Nedbank Cup-winning tactician.

"But I'm not here to talk on behalf of other people, because we have tried so many times and I've come to a point where I just focus on myself and those who want to listen to me."

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