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Marumo Gallants rope in Jamil Benouahi as new head coach.
Marumo Gallants FC have made a decisive move in their fight against relegation, appointing Jamil Benouahi as head coach following the departure of Alexandre Lafitte.
The appointment of Moroccan tactician Benouahi, a UEFA Pro Licence holder with international coaching experience across North and Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as the Gulf region, comes after a difficult run of form, with the club going 12 matches without a win in all competitions.
His last job was with Rahimo FC in Burkina Faso.
A renewed sense of belief is already taking shape within the Gallants camp, with Benouahi encouraged by what he has seen in his first few days in charge.
Benouahi says the focus now is firmly on taking the season one match at a time, treating each of the remaining fixtures as crucial.
“The energy is very positive; the response of the players is just amazing. That gives us a lot of hope and positivity for the next game,” says Benouahi.
Currently sitting 14th on the table and locked in a tight relegation battle, the coach is under no illusions about the task ahead, with eight matches remaining in the season.
“We still have like eight games – eight finals. We go game by game, but the next two are even more important because they are against direct opponents,” says Benouahi.
📰Club News📰
Marumo Gallants FC Announces Appointment of New Head Coach.
31 March 2026, – Marumo Gallants F.C. has appointed Jamil Benouahi as the Club’s new Head Coach, following the recent parting of ways with former Head Coach Alexandre Lafitte.#MarumoGallantsfc pic.twitter.com/H6QNf9LUY6
— MARUMO GALLANTS FC (@_Marumogallants) March 31, 2026
Working alongside assistant coaches Julien Outrebon and Trevor Mathiane, Benouahi is expected to bring both tactical discipline and structural stability during this transition period. The immediate focus will be on tightening the team defensively while improving efficiency in attack, key areas that have cost the Gallants valuable points this season.
At the same time, there is an emphasis on building a clear and sustainable football identity beyond the current campaign.
Despite the pressure, Benouahi remains composed, drawing confidence from past experience in similar situations.
“I have been in such situations before. Even in bigger clubs with more pressure, and we coped very well. So, I have this experience,” he says.
He also believes both the club and players have the resilience needed to rise above their current position.
“There is no pressure. We are driven by hope and the desire to do things very well. I believe very soon we will not look behind us, but ahead – to reach something higher,” adds Benouahi.
Off the field, ongoing uncertainty involving Moroka Swallows FC continues to add complexity to the relegation picture. However, Gallants remain focused on results, knowing their fate will ultimately be decided on the pitch. With renewed energy in the dressing room and a clear message from the new coach, the challenge now is turning belief into results.
Marumo Gallants rope in Jamil Benouahi as new head coach:
