Mohafe Ditches Polokwane City To Take Over Marumo Gallants
Sportswire can exclusively reveal that head coach Phuti Mohafe has parted ways with Polokwane City to take the reins at Marumo Gallants ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Mohafe replaces Jamil Benouahi, who quietly exited Bahlabane Ba Ntwa after a frustrating brief stint.
Benouahi, who joined Gallants in March 2026 to succeed Alexandre Lafitte, was in charge of a single match after he struggled to obtain the work permit with the Department of Home Affairs.
In his absence, Trevor Mathiane served as caretaker for 10 matches across all competitions, steering the club to a 14th-place finish in the Betway Premiership.
Why Did Marumo Gallants Target Phuti Mohafe?
Despite reaching the Carling Knockout Cup final under Lafitte, Gallants spent the bulk of last season battling relegation. By turning to Mohafe, management secures a tactician with a proven track record of top-flight stability.
Mohafe leaves Rise and Shine as the most successful manager in the club’s history. Since replacing Lehlohonolo Seema in December 2023, he consistently defied expectations by never finishing outside the top eight.
Phuti Mohafe’s Historical Record at Polokwane City
Mohafe leaves an incredible legacy of consistency in the Limpopo province, maintaining top-eight status across three consecutive top-flight campaigns:
- 2023/24 Season: 8th place (Inherited mid-season from Seema)
- 2024/25 Season: 7th place
- 2025/26 Season: 7th place
During his tenure as the longest-serving manager in Polokwane City history, Mohafe commanded the touchline for 81 matches. He compiled a record of 23 wins, 29 draws, and 29 losses, accumulating 98 total points at an average of 1.21 points per match.
Under his guidance, City scored 58 goals and conceded 77.
Can Mohafe Break the Marumo Gallants Coaching Cycle?
Before stepping into the hot seat as a head coach, Mohafe built his reputation as a premier right-hand man. He previously served as assistant to former Orlando Pirates captain Seema, alongside coaching stints assisting Bernard Molekwa, Luc Eymael, and Duncan Lechesa.
Ironically, Lechesa currently served as an assistant coach at Gallants last season.
However, Mohafe enters the job with his eyes wide open. He joins a Marumo Gallants hierarchy notorious for its lack of patience and volatile coaching turnover.
Whether his trademark mid-table stability can survive one of South African football’s most unpredictable boardrooms remains the defining question of the upcoming season.
