New Marumo Gallants coach Dylan Kerr has explained he was not desperate for a job, revealing that he turned down up to six offers before deciding to return to the DStv Premiership.
Kerr was officially presented to media by the club on Tuesday morning, having reached an agreement with club president Abram Sello to rejoin the side for a third spell.
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There was no shortage of drama the last time Kerr was in charge of Gallants, as he struggled to get a work permit for the entire time he was there, revealing that he in fact got a call from Home Affairs on the day he flew back to the UK, after parting ways with the club.
That spell included relegation at the end of the 2022/23 season and an incredible journey to the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals, which was marred by the issue of bonuses before they were knocked out by Tanzanian giants Young Africans.
"No, because I think I've turned down six jobs in the past year, to come back to East Africa, to West Africa, one North African team, one in Asia. It wasn't desperation to get a job because the chairman has always asked me if I would come back. We spoke often," the former Black Leopards and Baroka FC coach said to media during a press conference held by the club in Sandton, Johannesburg.
The club also revealed their plans for the upcoming campaign, which includes playing their matches in the Free State.
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Kerr continued: "What happened the last time was...I just could not believe what happened last time. It kind of killed what I am about in football. It's not about me, it's about the club. I felt let down by the players and I still do. Yes, I was out of work, but I was not looking to come back. I never called the chairman and said 'chairman I want to come back'. That was the chairman's decision. It was all done in 48 hours. It's just nice to come back."
Gallants bought Moroka Swallows to make a return to the top flight and Kerr will have the tough job of keeping the club in the Premiership. Buying a top flight status does come with the added pressure of staying up to avoid wasting millions of money, so a lot rests on the shoulders of Kerr to ensure it does not turn out to be a campaign of regret.
