FARPost has learnt that Marumo Gallants are on the verge of appointing former AS FAR coach Jamil Benouahi. The move comes as Bahlabane Ba Ntwa ramp up their fight to survive the drop and retain their spot in the Betway Premiership.
Gallants have undergone a technical shake-up following the suspension of head coach Alexandre Lafitte, who has been at the helm since the start of the 2025/26 season.
The Bloemfontein-based outfit sidelined the 28-year-old mentor, citing a combination of disciplinary issues and an inconsistent run of form. Lafitte made history earlier this term when he became the youngest tactician to ever lead a PSL club.
However, his record-breaking appointment has faced a harsh reality in South Africa’s top-flight. Bahlabane Ba Ntwa are currently embroiled in a grim survival battle, languishing in 14th place on the Betway Premiership table. From 20 matches, Gallants have picked up just 18 points, consisting of four wins, six draws, and 10 defeats.
The pressure is mounting at the bottom of the log; Gallants are currently level on points with 15th-placed Orbit College FC, while Magesi FC remain rooted to the basement with 13 points from 19 games.
Defensive frailties have been a major Achilles’ heel for the side. Gallants currently hold the second-worst defensive record in the league, having shipped 26 goals—surpassed only by Orbit College, who have leaked 33.
With only 10 matches remaining to save their top-flight status, the Gallants management has opted to pull the trigger on Lafitte’s tenure in hopes that a new face can steer the club away from the dreaded drop zone.
JAMIL BENOUAHI IS IN BLOEMFONTEIN WITH MARUMO GALLANTS
Abram Sello’s side has turned to Jamil Benouahi to bolster their technical department while the club finalises a settlement with Lafitte, who appears set to part ways with the Limpopo outfit.
Benouahi boasts significant experience on the African continent, having served as an assistant coach at heavyweights USM Alger, Jeddah SC, and AS FAR between 2024 and 2025.
A source close to the developments revealed that the Moroccan mentor is already in Bloemfontein with Gallants; however, the two parties are still locked in discussions regarding his exact designation.
“Jamil Benouahi is currently in Bloemfontein with Marumo Gallants, but the only sticking point at the moment is whether he will take over the head coaching reins or serve as a technical advisor,” the source told FARPost. “Everything should be finalised in the coming days, and the details will be much clearer then.”
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