Phuti Mohafe’s decision to leave Polokwane City in search of a new challenge has turned into a major disappointment after Marumo Gallants parted ways with him following a poor start to the Betway Premiership season.
Gallants confirmed on Wednesday, September 9, that Mohafe, who joined the club in June, had been relieved of his duties with immediate effect, together with his first assistant coach, Musa Bilankulu.
The decision follows a series of disappointing results that have left the club struggling to find its footing in the opening stages of the campaign.
Second assistant coach Trevor Mothiane has been appointed as interim head coach and will take charge of the team while the club considers its next move.
Mohafe’s departure comes only a few months after he made the bold decision to leave Polokwane City, where he had established himself as part of the club’s coaching set-up, to take charge of Gallants.
At the time, his move was viewed as an opportunity to take on a new challenge and further his coaching career.
However, his time at Gallants has lasted only a few months, making his departure a particularly painful one for the coach.
The club did not disclose details of individual matches in its announcement but confirmed that the poor run of results was behind the decision to terminate the contracts of Mohafe and Bilankulu.
Mohafe becomes the third head coach to lose his job in the Betway Premiership this season.
His dismissal follows the departures of Cedric Kaze from Sekhukhune United and Lehlohonolo Seema from Siwelele, as clubs begin taking decisive action over poor performances.
Gallants have moved quickly to strengthen their squad amid the coaching changes, confirming that they have secured the services of Orlando Pirates defender Abdoulaye Mariko on loan.
The arrival of Mariko is expected to provide additional defensive depth as Gallants attempt to turn their fortunes around.
For Mohafe, however, the developments represent a bitter end to what had promised to be an exciting new chapter in his coaching career.
Having left Polokwane City in pursuit of a new challenge, he now finds himself without a club barely three months after taking charge at Gallants.
The pressure will now be on Mothiane to steady the ship and deliver results as Gallants look to climb away from their difficult position in the league.
The club’s decision also underlines the increasing pressure on coaches in the Betway Premiership, where poor results early in the season can quickly lead to changes in the technical team.