BLOEMFONTEIN – The Marumo Gallants’ interim coach Matome Trevor Mathiane reckons the return leg of the Betway Premiership fixture – today (Saturday, 14 March), against his former club Lamontville Golden Arrows evokes deep emotions. The must-win outing for both teams takes place in the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, Pretoria. Kick-off is at 15:30.
The Gallants, currently rooted in position 14 on the log, are three points adrift of Arrows, nestled in position 12. Both sides are pressured to make an upward move.
Mathiane was Arrows’ captain during an illustrious stint spanning almost ten years after being recruited by masterful mentor Manqoba Mngqithi, one of the most respected coaches in South Africa.
Mathiane’s loyalty is with the relegation-bound Gallants, and he has a huge task to save them from dreaded relegation. He was given the responsibility following the suspension of head coach Alexander Lafitte, after the Gallants’ dismal form, amid a six-match losing streak.
A utility player of note, Mathiane says he was ready for a baptism by fire.
“Facing my former mentor and team is a deeply emotional experience. It is indeed a big challenge, but this is a challenge I’m willing to take, with joy. I have faced similar challenges since I started playing football. Manqoba is a good coach, and I have respect for him; he recruited me to Arrows and offered me an unforgettable opportunity to make my debut in the professional game. I’m inspired to face my mentor, and winning would be even more meaningful. I’m excited about the game, and I want to win. Somehow, I think he will also be proud, remembering that he gave me an opportunity in my football career,” says Mathiane.
He believes his long stint at Arrows and his captaincy give him the necessary edge in this emotional encounter. “I know everything about Arrows, including the system they play. My approach is to ensure that the Gallants get a good result,” says Mathiane. While a draw would be a positive result compared to a loss, Mathiane made his intention clear: “I want a win to improve my club’s standing on the log.”
Mathiane won his first game 3-1 against Chippa United, and it was the Gallants’ biggest win of the season in the league. He believes the result has reignited the fire in the team. Mathiane says achieving a top-eight finish is the target to save his current team from the big chop.
During his tenure at his former team, Arrows, he helped the club regain top-flight status in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) in the 2014/15 season. The team was relegated to the First Division at the end of the 2013/14 season.
