Marumo Gallants dismiss Phuti Mohafe and confirm two Orlando Pirates loans

Marumo Gallants have dismissed head coach Phuti Mohafe and assistant coach Musa Bilankulu with immediate effect after winning just two points from their opening five games.

The club also confirmed the loan arrivals of Orlando Pirates players Daniel Mendami and Abdoulaye Mariko, while Bheki Mabuza has moved in the opposite direction to the Buccaneers on a permanent transfer.

Mohafe only joined Gallants from Polokwane City during the off-season as part of an effort to reshape the club’s technical department and bring greater consistency to the team. However, his tenure has ended after five matches, with the club making another change in the head-coaching position.

The decision was first reported by iDiski Times before Gallants issued an official statement confirming the departure of both Mohafe and Bilankulu.

“Marumo Gallants F.C. confirms that the Club has parted ways with Head Coach Phuti Mohafe and Assistant Coach Musa Bilankulu, with immediate effect,” the club stated.

“The Club will not be commenting further on the circumstances surrounding the decision or engaging on the merits of the matter.

“In the interim, Second Assistant Coach Trevor Mathiane will assume responsibility as Interim Head Coach, while the Club continues its search for a new Head Coach.

“Marumo Gallants F.C. remains focused on ensuring continuity within the team and maintaining its preparations and commitments for the remainder of the season.”

Gallants consider next appointment

Trevor Mathiane will therefore take temporary charge while Marumo Gallants begin the process of identifying Mohafe’s successor.

This publication understands the club has held informal discussions with former Simba SC head coach Dimitar Pantev about taking over from Mohafe. However, there has been no publicly confirmed formal contact between Gallants and Pantev.

The club has offered no further explanation for the decision to part company with Mohafe and Bilankulu, saying it would not comment on the circumstances or engage in discussion about the merits of the matter.

Gallants’ immediate priority is continuity under Mathiane, with the club also stressing that preparations and existing commitments for the remainder of the season will continue.

The coaching change comes alongside movement in the playing squad. Mendami and Mariko have joined Gallants from Orlando Pirates on loan, giving the club two additional players from the Buccaneers.

Mabuza, meanwhile, has completed a permanent transfer to Orlando Pirates. The three deals were confirmed as Gallants announced the changes to their coaching structure.

Mohafe’s arrival from Polokwane City in the close season had been intended to support a fresh approach within the technical department. After only five matches, however, the club has opted to make another change at the top, with Mathiane now responsible for the team on an interim basis while the search for a permanent head coach continues.