Marumo Gallants FC have appointed Moroccan tactician Jamil Benouahi as their new head coach following the departure of Alexandre Lafitte, as the club looks to turn its season around and avoid relegation.
Benouahi, a UEFA Pro Licence holder with coaching experience across North and Sub-Saharan Africa as well as the Gulf region, takes charge after Marumo Gallants endured a difficult run of form, going 12 matches without a win in all competitions.
His most recent role was with Rahimo FC in Burkina Faso.
Positive start in the camp
Despite the pressure surrounding the club’s position, Benouahi has been encouraged by the atmosphere and response from the players during his first few days in charge.
“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,” he said.
Marumo Gallants currently sit 14th on the league table, locked in a tight relegation battle with eight matches remaining in the season.
Marumo Gallants are ahead of 15th-placed Orbit College on goal difference and four points ahead of bottom side Magesi FC, but have played one more match to date.
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Eight “finals” remaining
The new coach has emphasised the importance of approaching the remainder of the campaign one game at a time.
“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,” Benouahi explained.
Marumo Gallants’ next league match is a ‘six-pointer’ away against Magesi FC on Tuesday, 7 April at 19:30.
Focus on structure and stability
Benouahi will work alongside assistant coaches Julien Outrebon and Trevor Mathiane as the club looks to stabilise performances during the final stretch of the season.
The immediate focus will be on improving defensive organisation while increasing attacking efficiency – two areas that have cost Gallants valuable points this season.
At the same time, the club is looking to establish a clear and sustainable football identity that extends beyond the current campaign.
Experience in high-pressure situations
Benouahi believes his previous experience managing in high-pressure environments will help guide the team through the relegation battle.
“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 said.
He also expressed confidence that the club has the resilience to rise above its 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,” he added.
With renewed energy in the dressing room and a clear message from their new coach, the challenge now will be turning belief into crucial points in the closing weeks of the season.
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