Marumo Gallants assistant coach Matome Mathiane has refused to divulge much regarding Jamil Benouahi’s future at Bahlabane ba Ntwa following their 1-1 draw with Sekhukhune United on Saturday night.
The former AS FAR mentor joined the Betway Premiership side early last month following the departure of Frenchman Alexandre Lafitte. However, his tenure has been clouded by both poor results and a sudden absence from the dugout.
Benouahi’s stint at the Bloemfontein-based outfit started on a disappointing note, suffering a 3-0 defeat to Magesi FC at Seshego Stadium on 7 April. This was followed by a 0-0 draw against Orbit College at the Dr Molemela Stadium on 12 April.
Following those two matches as Gallants head coach, Benouahi has been notably absent from the touchline, with the club citing ill health as the main reason.
MATHIANE CONTINUES TAKING CHARGE AMID BENOUAHI’S UNCERTAINTY
In Benouahi’s absence, Mathiane has stepped up to lead the side for the past two fixtures. Under his guidance, Gallants played out to a 0-0 stalemate against Siwelele FC at Dr Molemela Stadium, before securing a 1-1 draw against Sekhukhune on Saturday, 25 April, at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
The run of draws has done little to ease the club’s problems in their quest to survive the relegation zone. Gallants currently sit 14th on the Betway Premiership log standings, with 21 points after 25 games.
As a result, Gallants maintain a slender one-point advantage over Magesi and Orbit College, who occupy the relegation places [15th and 16th] with 20 points apiece.
MARUMO GALLANTS MANAGEMENT TO DECIDE BENOUAHI’S FATE
When questioned about the head coach’s absence and whether he is expected to return to his post soon, Mathiane opted to play his cards close to his chest.
“I think I will leave that to our team’s management. They are the ones who will answer it,” Mathiane told journalists in Polokwane.
“I’m not sure how soon he will be back; that’s why I say I will leave it to our management, because they are the ones who will be able to answer the question.”
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