New Marumo Gallants head coach Phuti Mohafe has revealed that his decision to leave Polokwane City was motivated by his desire to embrace a fresh challenge after three successful seasons with Rise and Shine.
Mohafe, who was unveiled by Marumo Gallants ahead of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign, said he felt it was the right time to step out of his comfort zone after consistently guiding Polokwane City into the league’s top eight.
“The chairman of Marumo Gallants, together with my representative, held discussions about me joining the club. They found it very interesting to bring me to Marumo Gallants. For me, after spending three consecutive seasons at Polokwane City and qualifying for the top eight every season, I felt I needed a new challenge, and I believe Marumo Gallants will provide that challenge,” Mohafe said.
The experienced tactician stressed that his move was not influenced by dissatisfaction at Polokwane City, but rather by his ambition to continue growing as a coach.
Mohafe leaves Polokwane City as one of the club’s most successful coaches in recent years. Under his guidance, Rise and Shine secured three successive top-eight finishes, restoring the club’s status as one of the most competitive teams in the Betway Premiership.
His standout campaign came during the 2025/26 season, when Polokwane City finished seventh on the league table after producing a string of disciplined performances against some of the country’s biggest clubs. The achievement ensured another MTN8 qualification and cemented Mohafe’s reputation as one of the league’s most consistent local coaches.
Marumo Gallants chairman Abram Sello said Mohafe’s consistent record made him the ideal candidate to lead the club into a new era.
“He’s a coach who always finishes in the top eight, and we also want to be in the top eight. He is experienced, understands the local game and we believe he can help us achieve our ambitions,” Sello said.
Mohafe now faces the task of transforming Marumo Gallants into genuine top-eight contenders. He has already acknowledged that he may need to adapt his preferred possession-based style to suit the players at his disposal as he begins a new chapter in his coaching career.