New Marumo Gallants FC head coach Ronnie Kananelo has invoked his unbeaten personal record against Orlando Pirates ahead of their Premier Soccer League meeting. The club, sitting 16th in the standings with just two points from six games, will be without captain Edgar Manaka and several key players through injury.
Kananelo, who took over after Phuti Mohafe's dismissal, pointed to his playing days for confidence. "Out of the many games that I have played against Pirates in my playing days, I've never lost against Pirates and that's what I am bringing to this game," the former Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper said. He added, "There is an energy and spirit that I am taking into this game." The coach will need to inspire a team that has conceded 12 goals while scoring only 3, a key factor in their league position.
Marumo Gallants have won their last two home matches against Orlando Pirates, scoring twice in each of those victories at Peter Mokaba and Dr Molemela Stadiums. The overall league record, however, favours Pirates, who have won five of the eight previous meetings. The most recent clash, just days ago, ended in a 2-0 defeat for Gallants, with Kabelo Kgosietsile and Nkosinathi Sibisi scoring for the visitors.
The squad is severely depleted. Captain Edgar Manaka is suspended following a red card against AmaZulu. The injury list includes Bafana Bafana midfielder Thalente Mbatha, forwards Evidence Makgopa and Sihle Nduli, and Mohau Nkota. Orlando Pirates, meanwhile, could welcome back Gamphani Lungu and Andre de Jong pending fitness tests.
Following this match, Marumo Gallants face a trip to sixth-placed Sekhukhune United on 17 October, as per the official fixtures. The team's current form shows one draw and four losses in their last five outings, a run they are desperate to halt. The match kicks off at 15h00.
The report in full is at vodacomsoccer.com
