Sometimes things are just too enticing to turn down – especially when there’s a strong affinity, affection and connection.
This is why Anwar Gallant (pictured), a former coach at Rygersdal FC, could not resist or turn down the offer from Hanover Park FC’s chairman, Rieduwaan Anthony, to return to the club where he had great success in the past.
Needless to say, Gallant’s love for the Brasse Vannie Park runs deep, which is another reason why the return of the prodigal son to Hanover Park FC was written in the stars already.
Gallant explained to No Bones with Jones: “I’ve always had a soft spot for HP and the community. So, returning was always on the cards. It was more about the when. Besides,
“I’ve always been in touch with Mr Anthony (Pops), so when he called and spoke to me about his desire to take HP further, with me being a part of that vision. I couldn’t refuse. It’s something we both feel strongly about, ” Gallant added.
Gallant, given the role as Technical Director at the club, will also have to double up where possible this season to ensure the smooth running of operations. The well-equipped mentor, who holds a Uefa C-licence amongst the many other football qualifications, emphasized that he did not return to the club to step on anyone’s toes.
“Look, my main focus will be on the off-the-field operations,” he added. “I want to focus more on the social aspects, you know. For instance, I want to run a feeding scheme, I’m also looking at getting sponsors for the club.
“I also want to see how we can incorporate an educational component, like Hope FC does, to help our players grow and develop holistically,” he elaborated.
Gallant left Hanover Park for Rygersdal three seasons ago after helping them win promotion to the Motsepe League with head coach Andrew Pequeno. The 43-year-old mentor subsequently and unsurprisingly continued to build his already impressive CV, where he led Rygersdal to the Knockout title in his first season.
“Leaving HP a few years ago was probably one of the hardest footballing decisions I needed to make, but it was the right decision as I needed room to grow,” Galant added. “And I’m thankful to Rygersdal Football Club for providing that opportunity for me to learn and grow.
“Rygersdal had a plan and I’m so happy to see that plan is falling into place, and I know they will make a success of it. With so many capable people involved at Rygersdal, it meant that I could step down and take a small break from football to re-energise.”
Looking ahead, Gallant is confident that Hanover Park FC has already laid the platform whereby he can guide and direct to realise the dream of HP’s boss, Anthony
“Coach Tulz (Thulani Sikweza) and his technical team did an amazing job coming so close and laying a great foundation. Coach Ralph followed this and won the Coke Cup. The plan now is to work hard and get everyone aligned with “Pops” vision and get to the next step which is winning promotion,” he concluded.
After all was said and done, Gallant could find himself calling the shots against Junction Rovers on Friday (19:30) to fill the vacant head coach position left by Sikweza when the ABC Motsepe League season kicks off.
