The buzz surrounding the adrenaline-pumping Betway Premiership League fixture between Marumo Gallants and Kaizer Chiefs set for tomorrow – Saturday, 14 September – in the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, is electrifying. Evidence thereof is how quickly tickets are selling, with those costing R40 and R50 reportedly sold out at local Computicket selling points.
Only tickets selling at R60 are still available for the match that will see both sides begin their journey of renewal. Kick-off is at 17:30.
The host, Marumo, will be renewing its ambitious pursuit for a permanent stay in the country’s elite football division, and also make a lasting impression to fans of their new home in Mangaung, Bloemfontein. The Bahlabane Ba Ntwa (warriors of war) return to the top-flight rank after having purchased the Moroka Swallows franchise.
As for the visiting Chiefs, they embark on a journey to reclaim their rightful place and renew their title winning-aspirations under new head coach Mohamed Nasreddine Nabi. He begins his new chapter with the Amakhosi.
The head coach of Marumo, Dan Malesela, is optimistic about making a good start, informed by the squad he has assembled. “The key thing is, there is a fight for positions in the team, which is good. What is an assignment to us is who of them are we going start with. But we have an idea of who to start with; this is a good situation to be in rather than not knowing and not having good personnel,” said Malesela.
Marumo Gallants players during a preparatory session for their Betway Premiership match against Kaizer Chiefs tomorrow.
The former captain of Orlando Pirates and the winner of the 1988 Bob Save Super Bowl trophy, stated that his warriors were geared for the battle against Chiefs. “If we are not ready with Chiefs now, then we will not be ready for any opponent. The game against Chiefs should set up a confidence booster for us. We want to play to win, but if it do not win, we are not going despair. There will be positives to take in terms of performance going forward,” said Malesela.
He said the upcoming match set up the team for a good reception at the club’s new home of Bloemfontein. “We will be denying people of Bloemfontein an opportunity to enjoy football if we do not perform and win games. It is very key to maintain football alive in this city. If football dies here, then South African football is gone,” said Malesela.
