Gallants stand by Mohafe despite winless start

Marumo Gallants have no plans to make a hasty change in the dugout, despite a poor opening to the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season that has left them bottom of the table.

Head coach Phuti Mohafe remains in his position and is understood to retain the backing of the club’s management. Gallants have taken just one point from their first three matches, with two defeats and one draw.

Their latest result was a 2-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday, a result which means they are still waiting for their first victory of the new campaign.

However, sources close to the club indicate that Mohafe’s position is not currently under threat. Gallants’ leadership believes he is the right coach to take the team forward and intends to provide him with the support required to improve their results.

Although the early points return has been disappointing, there is said to be some internal encouragement about the way the team has played. Gallants have shown a willingness to retain possession and have created opportunities in their opening fixtures.

The main concern is their lack of efficiency in the final third. The club believes the side must become more clinical in front of goal and make better use of the chances it creates.

Mohafe’s team will have another opportunity to end their wait for a win when they host TS Galaxy on Tuesday, 25 August. The fixture offers Gallants the chance to move away from the foot of the Betway Premiership table and provide an immediate response to the defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns.

The club’s decision to maintain its support for Mohafe is notable because Gallants have developed a reputation for making rapid changes in their technical area.

Mohafe joined Gallants before the start of the new season after leaving Polokwane City. During his time with the Limpopo club, he established himself as a coach capable of making the side competitive and regularly challenging for a place in the top eight.

Gallants chairman Abram Sello previously outlined the reasons behind the appointment, pointing to Mohafe’s record and the belief that he could help the club meet its ambitions.

Speaking to the media at the launch of the 2026 Mafori Cup in July, Sello recognised the pressures faced by coaches and the limited time some managers are given to make an impact. He said Gallants wanted an appointment involving a coach committed to the club’s project, while making clear that the club also intended to commit to him.

Sello also stressed the patience Gallants planned to show Mohafe, describing him as an experienced local coach who understood his role.

Mohafe’s history of leading teams to top-eight finishes was another factor in his appointment. Gallants have set a top-eight place as their own target for the season.

The club’s early show of faith in Mohafe is now being tested by their difficult start, but for the moment Gallants are choosing stability over a knee-jerk reaction.