Polokwane City FC have confirmed veteran coach Mohamed Mohafe as their new manager, with the appointment set to take effect immediately ahead of the 2026‑27 Betway Premiership season. The Gallants hope his experience will spark a turnaround as they sit 7th in the Premier Soccer League, 40 points from 30 games, with a recent run of three draws and two losses.

Who is Mohamed Mohafe and why was he chosen?

Mohafe, 48, previously guided Maritzburg United to a top‑four finish in 2023‑24 and earned a reputation for tightening defenses. The club’s chairman, Thabo Mokoena, said the decision was driven by Mohafe’s track record of improving teams stuck in mid‑table. "We need a leader who can organise our back line and get the players believing again," Mokoena explained after the press conference.

What does the new coach bring to a side with a neutral goal difference?

Polokwane City have scored 21 goals and conceded exactly the same amount this season, leaving them with a zero goal difference. Mohafe’s preferred 4‑2‑3‑1 system emphasizes a compact midfield, which could help convert those draws into wins. His first training session focused on set‑piece routines, a known weakness for the Gallants, and players reported a noticeable shift in intensity.

How will the appointment affect the title chase?

The Gallants are currently 29 points behind league leaders Orlando Pirates. While that gap looks large, Mohafe believes a “steady climb” is realistic. He highlighted the upcoming fixtures against mid‑table rivals, noting that three wins in the next five games would bring Polokwane City within striking distance of a top‑four finish. The coach also promised to give younger talents like midfielder Thabo Ndlovu more minutes, hoping fresh legs will add creativity.

What are the immediate challenges for Mohafe?

Beyond the on‑field tactics, the new boss must manage a squad that has endured a string of disappointing results – three draws and two losses in the last five matches. Morale is low, and the club’s fan base is restless after a season of under‑achievement. Mohafe’s first public statement urged supporters to stay patient, promising “hard work and clear communication” as the pillars of his approach.

Polokwane City FC’s next match pits them against defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. A positive result could provide the momentum needed to shift the season’s narrative, and Mohafe will be keen to see his ideas tested on the big stage.

The Gallants’ board has also confirmed that no major transfer spending is planned this window, opting instead to rely on internal development and strategic loan deals. This financial prudence aligns with the club’s long‑term vision, but it places additional pressure on Mohafe to extract maximum performance from the existing roster.

As the new season looms, all eyes will be on Polokwane City FC to see whether Mohafe can translate his defensive expertise into a more balanced, competitive side capable of challenging the league’s heavyweights.