Marumo Gallants FC's search for a first Betway Premiership win of the 2026/27 season continues after a 2-2 draw with Polokwane City on Friday night. The result leaves Bahlabane Ba Ntwa in 15th place with only two points from their opening five league games, a position detailed on the club's standings page.

How did the match unfold at Royal Bafokeng Stadium?

Polokwane City struck first in just the third minute at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg. Tidimalo Molokwane finished acrobatically from a Juan Mutudza flick-on. Marumo Gallants responded through Msindisi Kunene in the 17th minute, his long-range effort slipping past goalkeeper Ayanda Ngwenya to level the score.

The visitors regained the lead eight minutes later when Bonginkosi Dlamini finished a defence-splitting pass. Parity was restored just before halftime in unfortunate fashion for Polokwane, as defender Lebohang Nkaki headed a long ball over his own goalkeeper for an own goal. The second half saw chances at both ends, with Gallants substitute Katlego Otladisa curling a late effort just wide in injury time.

What does this mean for Phuti Mohafe's side?

The draw extends a difficult start for head coach Phuti Mohafe, who was facing his former club. As of September 5, 2026, his team's record stands at zero wins, two draws, and three losses. They have scored five goals but conceded ten, giving them a -5 goal difference that underscores their struggles at both ends of the pitch.

This form leaves Gallants eleven points behind early league leaders Orlando Pirates. The team's immediate fixtures present a tough challenge, with an away trip to AmaZulu FC next on September 12. Mohafe will need to find solutions quickly to address a leaky defence that has yet to keep a clean sheet this campaign.

Where do Gallants go from here?

The immediate focus shifts to preparing for the trip to Durban to face AmaZulu. Securing a first victory is now an urgent priority to climb away from the relegation zone. The club's squad will need greater consistency, particularly in converting possession into clear chances as they did in the second half against Polokwane.

Friday's match showed they can create opportunities, with Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo and Otladisa going close. But turning those moments into goals is critical. The team's next three league games, after AmaZulu, are against Orlando Pirates and Sekhukhune United, making points in the upcoming fixture vital. Gallants' next match is away to AmaZulu FC on Saturday, September 12.