Marumo Gallants FC's struggles deepened with a 2-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg. The result leaves the club rooted to the bottom of the Premier Soccer League table with only two points from their opening seven matches, still searching for a first win of the campaign.
Kabelo Kgosietsile opened the scoring for the visitors in the 32nd minute, finishing a move that saw him run in behind the Gallants defence. "He ran in behind the defenders and struck a volley into the near corner," the goalscorer said of his effort. Nkosinathi Sibisi sealed the victory for Pirates 15 minutes from time, heading home from a corner kick to confirm the three points for the chasing side.
The loss is Gallants' fifth in seven league outings this season, a run that includes four consecutive defeats. They now sit 16th in the standings, a full 18 points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. Their recent form shows a single draw against Polokwane City in their last five games, with the team conceding 13 goals while scoring only five so far this term.
New coach Ronnie Kananelo, who replaced Phuti Mohafe, could not inspire a turnaround in his first match in charge. The home side did create a clear chance when Mxolisi Kunene found himself one-on-one with Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, but he fired his shot wide of the target. Orlando Pirates, meanwhile, recorded their fifth straight league win to close within a point of the summit.
Marumo Gallants must now regroup before their next assignment, an away trip to face Sekhukhune United on 17 October. Sekhukhune currently occupy sixth place, presenting another tough challenge. The club's top scorer this season is M. Ndlovu with two goals, and fans will hope he can find the net again in the upcoming fixtures.
The report in full is at ua.news
