Marumo Gallants FC have been drawn to face Mamelodi Sundowns in the Carling Knockout round of 16. The draw for the competition was conducted on Wednesday evening, setting up a major early-season challenge for the Gallants.
Marumo Gallants will travel to play the reigning MTN8 champions, who were seeded in Pot One for the draw. The fixture is a significant hurdle for a Gallants side that lost last season's final 1-0 to Orlando Pirates and is currently struggling in the league. They sit 16th in the Premier Soccer League with just two points from seven matches, having lost 2-0 to Orlando Pirates in their most recent outing on September 20. Their recent form is a concern, with the team conceding an average of 2.3 goals per game over their last four matches.
The seeded draw kept the top eight teams from last season apart in the first round. Defending champions Orlando Pirates will host Milford FC, while Kaizer Chiefs take on TS Galaxy. Other ties include Kruger United versus AmaZulu FC, Golden Arrows against Chippa United, Durban City facing Stellenbosch FC, Polokwane City meeting Siwelele FC, and Sekhukhune United playing Richards Bay FC. The Premier Soccer League will confirm the exact dates and venues for the last 16 in the coming days.
For Marumo Gallants, the immediate focus returns to league survival, with a key away match against sixth-placed Sekhukhune United next on the fixtures list this Saturday. The full standings show the scale of their task, as they trail leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by 21 points. Their goal difference of minus 12 is the worst in the league.
The report in full is at soccerladuma.co.za
