Sello Demands Top Eight 8 Finish From Mohafe

Marumo Gallants chairman Abram Sello has expressed confidence in newly appointed head coach Phuti Mohafe, saying the club will be patient as he begins preparing the team for the upcoming season.

Mohafe’s appointment came as a surprise after he left Polokwane City, where he guided Rise and Shine to three consecutive top-eight finishes in the Betway Premiership.

He takes over from Jamil Benouahi, whose spell at Gallants failed to meet expectations. The club narrowly avoided relegation during the 2025/26 season, prompting a change to the technical team.

Mohafe arrives with a strong reputation, having consistently led Polokwane City to top-eight finishes in the Betway Premiership. His proven track record was a key factor behind Gallants’ decision to appoint him.

Sello acknowledged that the club’s patience with previous coaches had, at times, put them in difficult situations, but stressed that Mohafe’s experience gives them confidence that he can deliver positive results.

“Actually, we are very patient with most of the coaches we have had,” Sello said.

“Sometimes it puts us in trouble to be too patient, so we’ll give him 100% support and be patient with him. He is an experienced local coach. As you said, he is a top-eight coach, and I think we also want to be there. What he has promised to deliver is definitely up to scratch, and I believe he will do that.”

Sello added that he believes Mohafe will feel at home at Gallants and exceed the club’s expectations.

“Coaching is a very challenging job. As you can see, people last only two or three months. Things happen, and contracts get terminated. But sometimes you get a coach who wants to be with you, and the club also wants to be with that particular person.

“We wish Phuthi all the best during his time with us. I think he will feel at home here, and we will achieve even more than what we’re targeting,” Sello said.