Gallants continue bid for survival against resurgent Golden Arrows

Marumo Gallants will seek to maintain their good form in the Betway Premiership when they lock horns with a resurgent Golden Arrows at the Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Kick-off is at 3pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

Gallants have been resilient in their fight against relegation in the league, and are unbeaten in their last three matches. The Free State outfit is currently placed 12th in the standings.

They collected back-to-back crucial wins against Cape Town City and TS Galaxy, before drawing 1-1 with SuperSport United in their most recent game.

On the other hand, Golden Arrows are 10th on the log and are unbeaten in their last two league encounters. They defeated Kaizer Chiefs 2-1, and then went on to record a goalless draw against Chippa United.

WHAT WAS SAID

Marumo Gallants coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was disappointed by the team’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup, but says that now the team can keep their focus on avoiding relegation.

“The mission now is clear – survival in the PSL,” he said.

“The cup run is over, and we need to regroup. Two wins – six points – that’s what we need to secure our place. We’re not far off, and the team knows what’s at stake.”

Meanwhile, Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi has responded to critics who are complaining about his playing style.

“I am a coach who wants a game of football to be played with an intention to score. I want my teams to play attacking football and have the ability to defend and be quick enough to regain possession; quick enough possession to exploit possibilities after winning possession because that’s where the games are normally won or lost,” he explained.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Matome Mathiane, Marumo Gallants – The former Arrows player will be familiar with the opposition’s biggest threats, and the towering defender will be required to stand firm to keep them at bay. Having scored in the team’s last match, Mathiane’s morale will be high going into this next encounter.

Nduduzo Sibiya, Golden Arrows – With the two league goals under his belt, the midfielder will be keen to put up another impressive performance in the Betway Premiership as Arrows look to challenge for a place in the top-eight come the end of the season. Sibiya was on the scoresheet the last time the two sides faced each other and will be hoping for a repeat.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

ALL LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2021/22 Arrows 3-1 Gallants Sibisi (pen), Mutizwa, Khumalo; Mbaeva (og)

2021/22 Gallants 0-0 Arrows

2022/23 Gallants 1-1 Arrows Ngema; Ndwandwe

2022/23 Arrows 3-2 Gallants N. Dlamini, Mmodi, Mutizwa; Ngema, Chivaviro

2024/25 Arrows 2-0 Gallants Mutizwa, Sibiya