Jamil Benouahi determined to keep Marumo Gallants in South African top-flight

Benouahi only just joined the struggling club as a replacement for the sacked Alexandre Lafitte and suffered a 3-0 defeat to bottom-club Magesi in his first game in charge.

Next up is a clash with fellow strugglers Orbit College, and after admitting that he had hoped to join Gallants at the beginning of their season, the coach remains confident he can beat the drop.

Gallants are currently in 14th place with 18 points from 23 games - level with Orbit and just one point clear of Magesi.

"I was fully aware of the situation before I took over; I have been following Marumo closely all season," Benouahi said on FARPost.

"I actually expected to arrive at the start of the campaign, but the challenge now is undeniable. That is the nature of football.

"What makes this exciting is the opportunity to secure our top-flight status against the odds. I am confident we have the quality and experience necessary to save the club."

"I know South African football because I came last year. I have been following [Mamelodi] Sundowns in the [CAF] Champions League," the coach added.

"By watching Sundowns' games, I was also watching the other teams. So since then, I have been following the PSL, and I know a lot about the PSL."