Mohafe leaves door open for Polokwane City return
Polokwane — Phuti Mohafe has said he would be willing to return to Polokwane City FC if the club wanted him back, the coach told KickOff in an interview published on 13 September 2026. Mohafe’s comments come after a turbulent few months in which he was relieved of his duties at Marumo Gallants FC and Polokwane City made a technical appointment in July.
Mohafe parted ways with Rise and Shine in July 2026; the club appointed Willy Moloto — a former assistant coach and Diski Challenge coach at the Limpopo side — as his replacement that month, KickOff reported. Mohafe also confirmed his dismissal from Gallants on a Wednesday in September and said he did not regret leaving Polokwane for new challenges.
During his time at Polokwane City, Mohafe established himself as one of the country’s most promising coaches. According to the KickOff piece, since becoming head coach in 2023 he led the team to three consecutive top‑eight finishes in the league. That run elevated his profile and made him a notable figure in Limpopo football circles.
"No. I don't regret leaving Polokwane City; the fact remains, if you don't take risks then who is going to take risks for you? How are you going to grow if you don't take risks? ... I don't have issues with Polokwane City. If we agree that I come back, then I can go back. Never say never," Mohafe told KickOff.
The start of the current campaign has been mixed for Rise and Shine. Through their first five league fixtures the club recorded one win, three draws and one loss, KickOff reported. One of those matches was a 2‑2 draw against Mohafe’s Marumo Gallants — a result followed by Gallants relieving Mohafe of his duties amid a five‑game winless run. Trevor Mathiane was appointed as interim coach at Gallants.
| Team | First five fixtures (W‑D‑L) |
|---|---|
| Polokwane City (Rise and Shine) | 1‑3‑1 |
Local context and implications
Polokwane’s football community will watch closely whether the club seeks to re‑engage Mohafe. His previous record with the team, particularly the sequence of top‑eight finishes, is likely to remain in the minds of supporters and club officials. As KickOff noted, Mohafe described himself as a coach who takes risks to grow — a trait that may appeal to a club aiming to consolidate and improve its league standing.
For Moloto, the coach who succeeded Mohafe in July, the early campaign results suggest a period of adjustment. The one win and three draws indicate the side has been hard to beat but has not secured consistent victories. That pattern often prompts discussions among supporters about recruitment, tactics and the balance between experienced leadership and continuity in the technical team.
- Mohafe was dismissed by Marumo Gallants following a five‑game winless run, KickOff reported.
- Polokwane City replaced Mohafe in July with Willy Moloto, who previously served as assistant and Diski Challenge coach.
- The club’s early season record stands at 1 win, 3 draws and 1 loss after five league fixtures, according to KickOff.
Any move to bring Mohafe back would require agreement on both sides. Mohafe himself emphasised to KickOff that he holds no lingering grievances with Polokwane City and that a return would be possible if the club desired it. Until formal approaches are reported, the matter remains speculative.
The evolving coaching landscape is likely to shape Polokwane City’s season and broader ambitions. Supporters, local media and club stakeholders will be monitoring developments closely, particularly any discussions involving Mohafe, Moloto or other technical appointments in the weeks ahead.
This report is based on an interview and reporting published by KickOff on 13 September 2026.
