Marumo Gallants head coach Jamil Benouahi admits he knew the challenge ahead before accepting the job at the relegation-threatened side.
The Moroccan mentor joined the Betway Premiership side earlier this month after taking over from Frenchman Alexandre Lafitte.
He started off on a bad note following a 3-0 loss to Magesi FC at Seshego Stadium on Tuesday.
With only seven games left to save their season, Gallants sit precariously in 14th place. Their 18-point tally keeps them level with fellow strugglers Orbit College FC and just a single point clear of Magesi FC, who currently anchor the table.
JAMIL BENOUAHI CONFIDENT HE WILL TURN THINGS AROUND AT THE STRUGGLING BETWAY PREMIERSHIP SIDE GALLANTS
The UEFA Pro Licence holder, who also had a stint at Moroccan side AS FAR, is confident he will take the club out of its current situation with the quality of players at his disposal.
“I was fully aware of the situation before I took over; I have been following Marumo closely all season,” he explained. “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.”
MARUMO GALLANTS COACH SAYS HE IS YET TO REACH OUT TO COMPATRIOT ABDESLAM OUADDOU
“No, I haven’t called him. I have not had any contact with him at the moment. Maybe later somewhere. For now, I am busy with the club, trying to fix things.
“I know South African football because I came last year. I have been following [Mamelodi] Sundowns in the [CAF] Champions League. 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.”
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