Siwelele FC edge Bloemfontein Derby against Marumo Gallants to escape relegation zone
Siwele FC defeat Maruma Gallants by lone goal. Photo Credit- kickoff
In a tense Betway Premiership showdown at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium, Siwelele FC secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over local rivals Marumo Gallants, propelling themselves out of the relegation quagmire and restoring much-needed momentum. The hosts, who entered the match rooted to the bottom of the table, capitalized on a first-half breakthrough to claim all three points, ending a four-game winless streak. Gallants, meanwhile, extended their dismal run without a victory to seven matches, leaving coach Dylan Kerr’s side grappling with mounting pressure in mid-table obscurity.
The game’s defining moment arrived in the 39th minute when Katlego Mokhuoane intercepted a loose pass from Lebohang Mabotja deep in Gallants’ territory. With composure under pressure, Mokhuoane threaded a precise through-ball to Tebogo Potsane, who unleashed a clinical finish at the near post, beating goalkeeper Washington Arubi to send the home crowd into ecstasy. Siwelele FC, under the guidance of coach Lehlohonolo Seema, had dominated possession in patches but struggled to convert early chances, making Potsane’s strike a pivotal half-time buffer. Gallants, playing with a more conservative setup, offered little in response before the break, their attacks stifled by Siwelele’s compact midfield.
The second half saw Gallants push for parity, but Siwelele FC’s resilience shone through in a gritty defensive display. In the 70th minute, Chibuike Ohizu squandered a golden opportunity for the hosts, denied by a sharp reflex save from Arubi, while an 83rd-minute effort from Daniel Msendami, who rounded Ricardo Goss but blazed wide, epitomized Gallants’ frustrations. No cards were brandished throughout the encounter, keeping tempers in check despite the derby intensity, and substitutions injected fresh legs without altering the scoreline. Potsane’s all-around performance, blending goal-scoring threat with tireless pressing, earned him Man of the Match honors, underscoring his growing influence in Seema’s rejuvenated setup.
This result marks a turning point for Siwelele FC, who climb to 12th place with seven points from nine outings, breathing fresh air above the drop zone. The win not only avenges a previous Bloemfontein derby loss but also injects confidence ahead of their Carling Knockout last-16 clash against Orlando Pirates. For Marumo Gallants, the defeat compounds their woes, leaving them in 11th with 10 points and staring down a daunting trip to champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the cup. Kerr’s men, who have now failed to score in four of their last five games, must urgently address their attacking bluntness to salvage a middling campaign.
As the PSL pauses for international duty, both clubs reflect on a derby that highlighted Siwelele’s grit over Gallants’ grit. Seema hailed his side’s “character in adversity,” while Kerr lamented “missed opportunities that cost us dear.” With the league resuming in early October, this narrow victory could be the catalyst Siwelele FC need to push for survival, while Gallants’ slide demands introspection before their cup redemption bid.
