Matome Mathiane reveals he's living his dream after being appointed Marumo Gallants interim coach

The 37-year-old former Golden Arrows, Chippa United, Baroka and Gallants defender only just called time on his career.

His first post was as head coach of the Gallants DStv Diski Challenge side, but has now been promoted to the senior ranks following the suspension of Alexandre Lafitte.

Mathiane took charge of the team for the first time against Mamelodi Sundowns on Tuesday and suffered a 3-1 loss to the defending champions.

Speaking after the game, he explained that he will try to build his own reputation but admits to being influenced by two of his former coaches Manqoba Mngqithi and Steve Komphela.

"I don't want to do things that other people [coaches] did because they have their own history," Mathiane said after the league loss.

"So I am still young in coaching, and I am willing to learn. It's for people to see what I can offer, so I wouldn't choose and say I want to be like this coach. I have worked with coaches like Manqoba [Mngqithi] and Steve Komphela. So it's my dream to be like them as well."

"I think it was always my dream. Looking at the teams I played for, I was always a leader. I was always the captain of those teams. So it was just in me as a leader, so I have told myself that when I retire, this is what I want to do," added the coach.

"So I believe that choosing the right job is good for me, and I have experience with it. I have been working with different coaches, and I have learnt a lot from them. So I will also add on what I have to the boys."