Teboho Setena
A top eight finish in the Premiership looks very possible for the Marumo Gallants. This largely depends on them winning their remaining tough matches against Chippa United on 17 May, and the away fixture against Magesi FC on 24 May.
Both fixtures are must-win for the local lads.
On the other hand, the Gallants are hoping for some favours from other teams also looking to secure four available slots in the top eight bracket. The clubs gunning for the available slots with the Bahlabane ba Ntwa are TS Galaxy (34 points), AmaZulu (34 points), Polokwane City (33 points), Chippa United (30 points), and Kaizer Chiefs (30 points). The Gallants also have 30 points.
The Gallants are depending on wins by the Mamelodi Sundowns in two games against Chippa United. The first match takes place today – Wednesday, 7 May – and the return fixture on 14 May. The Bahlabane ba Ntwa are hoping for favours from Orlando Pirates in their match against Magesi on 28 May, City against Chiefs on 24 May, Sekhukhune United against Chiefs on 17 May, Pirates against Galaxy on 17 May, and against AmaZulu on 24 May, respectively.
The Gallants have another full week to prepare for their forthcoming assignment against Chippa in Bloemfontein. The match will be played at the Dr RP Molemela Stadium. A draw in the two remaining will be insufficient for coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s charges, while a loss will be a major blow in their aspirations to finish in the top eight bracket.
The Moroccan mentor has vowed that his warriors will fight until the very last minute.
The Gallants find themselves back in the scramble for a top eight position following their improved form in the four league matches. They collected 11 points, with two matches played to a draw and three victories which guaranteed their safety from the relegation zone and intensified the prospects to secure a top eight berth.
