RUSTENBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – MAY 28: Marumo Gallants FC coach Dan Malesela during the Nedbank Cup final match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Marumo Gallants FC at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on May 28, 2022 in Rustenburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)
Marumo Gallants moved out of the relegation zone in the Betway Premiership after defeating SuperSport United 1-0 on Friday evening.
Betway Premiership
Result: SuperSport United 0-1 Marumo Gallants
Date: 29 November 2024
Venue: Lucas Moripe Stadium
SuperSport made five changes from their draw against Chippa United, as Vincent Pule, Siviwe Magidigidi, Neo Rapoo, Eric Mbangossoum and Keanin Ayer were brought in.
Gallants, meanwhile, kept the same side that lost to Mamelodi Sundowns in the Carling Knockout semi-finals, as Daniel Msendami, Monde Mphambaniso, Sekela Sithole and Thapelo Dhludhlu supported Siyabulela Shai up top.
Dan Malesela’s charges had a perfect start after Edgar Manaka gave them the lead within the first 12 minutes from the penalty spot, after Bilal Baloyi brought down Shai in the box.
SuperSport had a chance to equalise from the restart but Bradley Grobler’s shot in the box was saved by goalkeeper Washington Arubi.
As the game opened up, Grobler had another chance towards the interval after a cross by Vincent Pule from a set-piece but he guided his header over the crossbar.
Gavin Hunt’s charges finished the first half strongly as on the stroke of half-time Magidigidi drew a brilliant save from Arubi with a strike into the top corner.
Siwelele Sa Marumo were rejuvenated from the interval, as they put United under pressure but they could not carve out clear chances.
After a long spell chasing the game, Hunt, with 20 minutes to go, made attacking and tactical changes, as Terrence Dzvukamanja and Tashreeq Morris both came on for Grobler and Rapoo.
However, it was Gallants who still had the upper hand as ten minutes later Msendami almost killed the game with a strike in the box that was crucially saved by goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa.
Malesela closed shop in the dying minutes after he brought on Tshepo Rikhotso in place of Manaka, as the Bloemfontein side held on to their second win of the season.
The victory took Siwelele Sa Marumo up to 12th on the log.
Here’s how they lined up:
SuperSport United: 1. Mbanjwa, 2. Mobbie, 42. Baloyi, 13. Okon, 19. Rapoo, 15. Pule, 8. Ndlovu, 7. Grobler, 46. Magidigidi, 5. Mbangossoum, 25. Ayer
Subs: 30. Xulu, 17. Lungu, 18. Poggenpoel, 38. Moralo, 29. Baliti, 11. Dzvukamanja, 14. Morris, 9. Mangezi
Marumo Gallants: 36. Arubi, 35. Sikhosana, 21. Mabotja, 29. Nthatheni, 26. Sithole, 22. Msendami, 11. Dhludhlu, 5. Manaka, 27. Shai, 10. Mphambaniso, 20. Khumalo
Subs: 1. Mlambo, 3. Rikhotso, 18. Chabatsane, 14. Nange, 4. Mlambo, 7. Mhango, 50. Nhlapo, 6. Mahlatsi, 12. Wagaba
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