WeeklySA_AdminDUEL: Stakes high in a Premiership fixture without a clear favourite, and whose outcome is critical for the path to survival for either of the teams…
By Masoja Cele
Marumo Gallants are desperate for the three points that could move them away from the bottom half of the table when they host struggling Chippa United on Sunday.
The Betway Premiership encounter will be played at the Dr Molemela Stadium, Bloemfontein at 15:30.
Led by French coach Alexander Lafitte, Gallants are also experiencing a mixed bag of results. The last time “Bahlabane Ba Ntwa” won a match was against Orlando Pirates in mid-August. Following the feat, they slumped to three losses and four draws. However, they made it when they beat Mamelodi Sundowns during the Telkom Knockout Cup. So, fans should expect sparks to fly on Sunday.
Last weekend Gallants took part in the Cultural Urban Festival Africa (CUFA) Cup, which replaced the Macufe Cup. They beat home town rivals Siwelele 4-3 on penalties. This was sweet revenge for them after they were beaten 1-0 by Masokolara in the Betway Premiership match a fortnight ago.
Gallants boast one of the finest goalkeepers in Washington Warubi. Like wine, the 40-year-old Zimbabwean is mellowing with time. Midfield anchor Xola Mlambo and Ndabayithethi Ndlondlo will be expected to marshal the midfield with authority to supply their front men Lebohang Mabotja and Daniel Msendani. The pair is devastating when they are on song.
Chippa on the other hand are still trying to understand the philosophy of their new coach Luc Eymael.
The Belgian mentor was brought to the ranks of the “Chilli Boys “in August 2025 to stabiliSe the dwindling club’s fortunes following the sacking of Sinethemba Badela and his technical team.
The Chillie Boys have been inconsistent this season. The first match of the former Free State Stars was a 3-0 baptism of fire against the in-form Orlando Pirates at home. Except for the 2-1 win over the new boys Orbit College, perhaps the other results illustrate the poor form the team is faced with.
There was a 2-1 loss to Polokwane City and a 1-1 draw with Sekhukhune United. Then, the Gqeberha ensemble recouped a point at Stellenbosch before a 4-1 loss to Richards Bay a week before the FIFA break.
Currently, the “Chillie Boys” are languishing at the bottom of the log standings.
Furthermore, another defeat for Chippa would definitely pile more pressure to the team’s technical crew. With the chairman Siviwe Mpengesi known for his intolerance when the results are not forthcoming, chances are high that Luc Eymael stay might be cut short.
Seasoned campaigners like Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, midfielder Goodman Mosele, forwards Somila Ntsundwana and Bienvenu Eva Nga are expected to lead the troops with their vast collective experience.
