BLOEMFONTEIN – In a decisive move to salvage their 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign, Marumo Gallants F.C. has officially announced the appointment of Jamil Benouahi as their new Head Coach.
The announcement, made on March 31, 2026, comes at a critical juncture for the “Bahlabane ba Ntwa,” who have struggled to find consistent form this season. Benouahi succeeds Alexandre Lafitte, whose tenure ended following a challenging period marked by a winless streak and subsequent internal disciplinary processes.
A Wealth of International Expertise
Benouahi, a native of Fès, Morocco, arrives in South Africa with an impressive resume and a UEFA Pro Licence. His coaching journey spans across North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Gulf region, making him a well-traveled strategist with a deep understanding of diverse footballing cultures.
His most recent stint was with Rahimo FC in Burkina Faso. Benouahi is widely respected for:
- Tactical Adaptability: The ability to shift systems based on the opponent.
- Structured Gameplay: A focus on defensive discipline and organized buildup.
- Leadership: A proven track record of managing high-pressure environments.
Stability in the Technical Dugout
While the head coaching role sees a fresh face, the club has opted for continuity within the support staff. Benouahi will be flanked by the existing technical team to ensure a smooth transition:
- Julien Outrebon (Assistant Coach)
- Trevor Mathiane (Assistant Coach)
“The Club is confident that Benouahi’s expertise, leadership, and fresh perspective will contribute positively to the team’s performance,” the club stated in their official press release.
The Task Ahead: A Relegation Battle?
The appointment comes as Marumo Gallants sits in a precarious position on the league table. Currently hovering near the bottom (14th place with 18 points from 22 matches), the team is desperate to climb away from the relegation zone.
Recent Form:
- 17 March: Mamelodi Sundowns – 1 – 3 (Loss)
- 14 March: Golden Arrows – 1 – 2 (Loss)
- 04 March: Chippa United – 3 – 1 (Win)
Benouahi’s first priority will be to instill defensive rigour into a side that has conceded 31 goals so far this season. With the business end of the campaign approaching, the Moroccan mentor has little time to waste.
Committed to Professionalism
Beyond the pitch, the club reiterated its commitment to high standards of governance and professionalism. This statement follows a period of administrative scrutiny and legal discussions regarding the club’s status. By bringing in a Pro-Licenced coach of Benouahi’s caliber, Chairman Abram Sello signals a clear intent to professionalize the sporting department and secure the club’s top-flight future.
Marumo Gallants fans will be eager to see if the “Moroccan Magic” can spark a late-season resurgence starting this April.
