Rescue mission: Marumo Gallants unveil Jamil Benouahi as head coach

Marumo Gallants have officially turned to Moroccan tactician Jamil Benouahi to spearhead their survival charge in the Betway Premiership, confirming his appointment as head coach on Tuesday.

📰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

The move, first reported by FARPost, follows the departure of Alexandre Lafitte, who was recently relieved of his duties following a disappointing string of results that left the club languishing in the lower reaches of the table. Interim coach Matome Mathiane, who stepped up from the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) side, now hands over the reins to the 47-year-old UEFA Pro Licence holder.

Moroccan Jamil Benouahi Takes Over at Gallants

Benouahi arrives in South Africa with an extensive resume across the continent and the Middle East. Most recently serving as an assistant coach at Moroccan giants AS FAR Rabat, his career includes significant stints as a Technical Director for USM Alger (Algeria) and Maghreb Fez (Morocco).

His diverse background also features time in Qatar as a youth coach and Academy Director at Qatar SC, as well as a recent spell with Rahimo FC in Burkina Faso.

To ensure a smooth transition, Gallants have retained Julien Outrebon and Trevor Mathiane as assistant coaches. The club believes this blend of Benouahi’s “fresh perspective” and the existing technical team’s familiarity with the squad will provide the stability needed to climb the standings.

“He is recognised for his tactical adaptability and structured approach to the game,” said club spokesperson Sello Nduna. “The Club is confident that Benouahi’s expertise and leadership will contribute positively to the team’s performance for the remainder of the season.”

Gallants’ hierarchy has emphasised a commitment to professional standards as they battle to maintain their top-flight status. Benouahi’s immediate priority will be instilling a winning mentality in a squad that has struggled for consistency throughout the campaign.

With the relegation dogfight intensifying, the Moroccan mentor’s ability to adapt his tactical “structured approach” to the pace of South African football will be under the spotlight from day one.