Marumo Gallants appoint Phuti Mohafe as head coach after Polokwane City exit

The the experienced tactician joins Gallants immediately after leaving Polokwane City in a swift move that effectively saw him poached by the Limpopo rivals.

The announcement, made on Sunday afternoon, ended speculation over the identity of Gallants' next head coach following another turbulent spell in charge of the team.

Mohafe departs Polokwane City on the same day of Gallants' announcement, bringing an abrupt end to his successful stint with 'Rise and Shine', where he had established the club as a consistent top-eight side in the Betway Premiership.

His exit comes after several solid campaigns at Polokwane City, where he earned a reputation as one of the most tactically disciplined coaches in South African football. Over his tenure, he oversaw 81 matches, recording 23 wins, 29 draws and 29 defeats, steadily building a competitive and organised side.

Gallants, meanwhile, have been through a period of instability in the dugout. The club previously parted ways with Alexandre Lafitte, who had arrived with high expectations after winning the league title with Ivorian side Stade d'Abidjan in the 2024/25 season, but struggled to deliver consistent results.

He was followed by Jamil Benouahi, whose spell was even shorter, arriving mid-season but only managing a single match before his departure. The rapid turnover meant Gallants used three different coaches in one campaign, leaving the club in search of stability.

That instability was reflected in their on-field struggles, with Gallants narrowly avoiding relegation last season. They finished 14th in the table with just 25 points from four wins, 13 draws and 13 defeats in 30 matches.

With that in mind, the club moved quickly to secure Mohafe, effectively prising him away from Polokwane City in a decisive and immediate switch as they look to reset ahead of the new season.

In an official statement, Gallants welcomed their new coach and highlighted his experience and leadership qualities.

"Marumo Gallants F.C. is pleased to announce the appointment of Phuti Mohafe as the Club's new Head Coach," the club said. "Mohafe joins Marumo Gallants from Polokwane City FC, where he served as Head Coach and played a significant role in the club's recent progress and competitive performances in the Premier Soccer League."

The club added that Mohafe brings "a wealth of coaching experience, strong leadership qualities, and an in-depth understanding of the local football landscape," and said his arrival marks an exciting new chapter for the team.

Gallants also confirmed that management will fully support Mohafe during the transition period as he begins preparations for pre-season in the coming days, with expectations high that he will stabilise the squad and restore competitiveness in the Betway Premiership.