Marumo Gallants FC held to stalemate by Siwelele in Betway PSL
Marumo Gallants FC left the FNB Stadium pitch empty-handed on Saturday after Siwelele held them to a 1-1 draw in Round 9 of the Betway PSL 2026-27. The point leaves Gallants seventh on 14 points, five adrift of log leaders Orlando Pirates.
What happened in the Gallants’ Round 9 clash?
Siwelele struck first through Sipho Mahlangu in the 23rd minute, a low drive past goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene. Gallants fought back and equalised on 67 minutes when striker Sibusiso Vilakazi nodded in from a corner delivered by left-back Gift Motupa. The visitors had a late chance to snatch all three points when a Siwelele defender diverted a header onto the post in the 89th minute.
Why the draw matters for Marumo Gallants FC
The point keeps Gallants seven points clear of the bottom three but only two above ninth-placed Chippa United. Coach Mandla Ncikazi admitted after the game that his side needed to tighten up at the back. “We created enough chances but the second goal was avoidable,” Ncikazi told reporters. “We have to be more clinical in front of goal and more disciplined at the back.”
What comes next for Gallants?
Gallants now face Chippa United at home on August 2, 2026 in a six-pointer that could move them closer to the top six. The side will also look to bounce back in the Nedbank Cup quarter-final against Moroka Swallows on August 9, 2026. Ncikazi has already named an unchanged starting XI for the league clash, signalling his intent to push for all three points against Chippa.
