Marumo Gallants are weighing up a move for Polokwane City FC head coach Phuti Mohafe as they look to appoint a permanent successor following the departure of Moroccan mentor Jamil Benouahi, FARPost has learnt.
Gallants are in the market for a new head coach after Benouahi’s brief and unsuccessful stint at the Bloemfontein-based Betway Premiership side. The Moroccan had been brought in to replace French coach Alexandre Lafitte, but his tenure was short-lived before the club turned to interim coach Matome Trevor Mathiane to see out the remainder of the season.
With preparations for the 2026/27 set to start later this month, Gallants have intensified their search for a substantive head coach, and Mohafe has emerged as a strong contender.
Sources indicate that Gallants have sifted through numerous applications, including those from foreign coaches, but have increasingly been drawn to the credentials of the experienced Polokwane City mentor.
The 52-year-old, a former Witbank Spurs centre-back, had reportedly attracted the interest of Sekhukhune United and TS Galaxy. However, Babina Noko settled for Cedric Kaze while Galaxy placed their trust in Bernard Parker.
FARPost has gathered that Marumo Gallants are adopting a cautious approach and are waiting to establish whether Polokwane City intend to retain Mohafe for next season. He is currently out of contract, making him an attractive option for a Marumo side seeking stability and proven PSL experience.
PHUTI MOHAFE’S IMPRESSIVE WORK AT POLOKWANE CITY
Mohafe has earned recognition for his work at Polokwane City since taking over as head coach in November 2023, following the resignation of former mentor Lehlohonolo Seema.
Under his guidance, Rise and Shine have become one of the PSL’s most consistent overachievers, securing three successive top-eight finishes despite operating with a modest budget and largely relying on players recruited from South Africa’s lower divisions. Mohafe’s ability to identify and develop talent has become one of his strongest attributes.
Bafana Bafana winger Oswin Appollis flourished under his guidance, while defender Thabang Matuludi developed into one of the league’s most exciting full-backs before earning a place in South Africa’s FIFA World Cup squad.
Matuludi was discovered in the ABC Motsepe League while playing for Dolphins FC in Limpopo and was recruited by Polokwane City in 2021.
Interestingly, when asked about his future last season, he hinted at being eager to stay with the Polokwane-based side for as long as possible to build a legacy.
“When I look at Arsene Wenger, how long has he worked at Arsenal, and we look at Mr [Sir Alex] Ferguson, how long has he been there [at Manchester United]. Maybe I’m taking that route, I don’t know, but on that one, I can’t say I will go and look for greener pastures or if those teams are there. I’m still at Polokwane City. I’m still contracted to the team,” Mohafe said last.
With Gallants, who finished 14th, keen to avoid another season of instability, Mohafe’s proven track record of consistency, player development and top-eight finishes has made him one of the standout candidates for the vacancy.
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