Marumo Gallants sack Phuti Mohafe after less than three months in charge

Marumo Gallants have dismissed head coach Phuti Mohafe with immediate effect, less than three months after he joined the Betway Premiership club from Polokwane City.

The club confirmed Mohafe’s departure on Wednesday afternoon, also announcing that first assistant coach Musa Bilankulu had been removed from his position.

The decision came after Mohafe was reported to have missed Marumo Gallants’ training session earlier on Wednesday at the Rosina Sedibane Modiba Sports Ground in Pretoria. Soccer Laduma had reported on his absence before the club issued its statement.

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

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

Marumo Gallants, also known as Bahlabane Ba Ntwa, did not provide further details about the reasons for the changes to their technical team.

Second assistant coach Trevor Mathiane will take temporary charge while the club searches for a permanent replacement for Mohafe.

“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.”

The club’s next permanent appointment could be Dimitar Pantev. The former Simba SC coach has held talks with Marumo Gallants and is expected to take over in the next few days, unless there is a late change to the plans.

Mohafe’s departure comes with Marumo Gallants 15th in the Betway Premiership standings. They have taken two points from their opening five matches of the season, recording two draws and three defeats.

His time at the club therefore ends after only a short period in charge, with Mathiane now responsible for the team on an interim basis as the search for a new head coach continues.

Gallants had brought in Mohafe from Polokwane City, but the club has now decided to end the partnership and make a simultaneous change to the coaching staff. Bilankulu will leave alongside him, while Mathiane steps up from his role as second assistant coach.

The club has said it will not comment further on the circumstances behind the dismissals. For now, its official position is limited to confirming that both Mohafe and Bilankulu have left with immediate effect, and that Mathiane will oversee the team while the search for a replacement is conducted.