Abdeslam Ouaddou hits back after Marumo Gallants denied receiving his resignation - 'The chairman shocked me'

Abdeslam Ouaddou announced that he is leaving Marumo Gallants after just four months at the club.

The 46-year-old had not stated the reason for leaving the club, and Bahlabane ba Ntwa denied ever receiving his resignation letter.

But the coach has now responded to the Bloemfontein-based side's claims and reveals why he stepped down from his role.

"The chairman shocked me this week during a meeting in Johannesburg where he confided in me in despair that he could not financially honor the option on my contract next season," Ouaddou said in a statement. 

"I cannot, therefore, send a termination letter since he is the one who cannot pay his coach. So I think he unfortunately needs to be realistic and an honest man about the situation and release his coach by mutual agreement.

"My mission and my objectives have been achieved, he needs to maintain this harmonious and cordial relationship that we have maintained during these four months together."

Ouaddou managed to steer Gallants to safety after the club spent the better part of the season dicing with relegation.

They ended the just-ended season 10th on the Premier Soccer League table with 32 points, the same as Kaizer Chiefs, who were just above them.

He appeared to be a coach who could challenge for trophies had he continued with the club.

In the upcoming weeks, it remains to be seen how Gallants will settle their case with Ouaddou.

The is a likelihood they could retain his services, or they will agree that he leaves the club.