BLOEMFONTEIN – The Marumo Gallants are under pressure to translate strong cup form into consistent performance in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), which is crucial to their survival. The team’s impressive run in the cup competition has propelled them to the Carling Knockout Cup final, whilst in the league the club struggles to retain their rhythm.
In the final, the Bahlabane ba Ntwa will face Orlando Pirates on 6 December in the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo. The Gallants’ inconsistent form in the Premiership league has resulted in a downward movement and sharing the spoils and losing matches which they should have won.
The Gallants’ poor form saw them play to a 1 − 1 draw with Sekhukhune United in a league match played on Saturday 22 November. They fought well after the visiting team took the lead in the second half, capitalising on the defenders’ failure to thwart the danger.
The Gallants’ pint-sized midfielder- cum-striker Phillip Ndlondlo saved face when he scored the equaliser, and he was rewarded the man of the match prize for his efforts. Ndlondlo acknowledged inconsistency in the league, adding it requires them to strike a balance to improve their standing in the league.
“We played better in the second half of the match, creating scoring opportunities. We have to continue with good form in the league as we did in cup competition and improve in terms of converting chances we create,” said Ndlondlo.
The Gallants will host Magesi FC on Sunday 30 November at the Dr Molemela Stadium hoping to secure a win and move up the table. The club’s last win was 2 − 1 against Chippa United on 19 October. Currently, the club is languishing in the bottom half of the Premiership and currently occupies 11th position with 14 points. Thus far after 13 league matches played, the club has won three matches, drawn five and lost five games.
Meanwhile, Siwelele FC returns to Bloemfontein hoping to get back to its winning ways against Chippa in a Premiership fixture scheduled for Saturday 29 November at the Dr Molemela Stadium. The Siwelele side’s last win was 2 − 0 against Stellenbosch FC on 5 November while at home it was 1 − 0 over Sekhukhune on 31 October.
The Lehlohonolo Seema-led team lost 0 − 2 to AmaZulu in a fixture played on 22 November. The green and white team is in the same predicament as the Gallants – fighting to move out of the bottom half of the league.
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