BLOEMFONTEIN – The Marumo Gallants are inspired to continue their exploits in the ongoing Carling Knockout Cup when they meet tough opponents Stellenbosch FC on Wednesday 29 October at the Dr R.P. Molemela Stadium. Kick-off is at 19:00.
The sides advanced to the quarter-final of the tournament after defeating giants Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns via penalties. The Gallants disposed of Sundowns with 7 − 6, while the Stellies beat Chiefs with 5 − 4, respectively on of 4 and 5 October.
The victor between the Bahlabane ba Ntwa and the visiting Stellenbosch will automatically progresses to the semifinal. The tourists from the Western Cape were the inaugural winners of the cup in 2023, after beating TS Galaxy 5 − 4 in the final.
Wednesday’s cup fixture is a repeat of last year’s match between Stellies and the hosts, who emerged victorious with 1 − 0.
While the past result serves as motivation for a possible repeat, the Gallants’ head coach, Alexandre Lafitte, said he was expecting a tough encounter against Steve Barker’s charges − noting their championship pedigree.
The Frenchman, during a media conference on Monday, pointed out that his club’s elimination of Sundowns in round 16 of this tournament had bolstered confidence in the quest to win a major trophy.
“I think we are confident of getting a good result in the cup match, having won our game against a strong team like Sundowns. It is going to be a tough match against Stellenbosch, they are a good team,” said Lafitte.
“All the players are focused, and they know how important it is to manage the game against Stellenbosch.”
He is of the strong view that the team’s improvement signals an understanding of his philosophy of not playing one-dimensional football. He is working on instilling an offensive and possession-based style of play.
The Gallants are searching for their first major trophy since returning to the country’s mainstream football. The team went under the name Tshakhuma Tsa Madzivhandila (TTM) when they lifted the Nedbank Cup in 2021, beating Chippa United 1 − 0 in the final at the Toyota Stadium.
The Gallants trio of Phillip Ndlondlo, Mpho Chabatsane and Washington Arubi fancy their prospects against a team with championship pedigree. Wing defender Chabatsane has emphasised the importance of team effort.
“It is important for us to score goals to progress to the next stage, and remain solid in defense. It is a better start for us in this cup − same as last year, it is important to focus,” said Chabatsane.
Arubi has stressed the importance of the positive mindset and fighting spirit.
“Last year we ended in the semifinal; this year we are trying our level best to be better, to at least reach the final. We have to keep on improving the positive attitude and keep the momentum.”
