Marumo Gallants coach Mthiyane confident of relegation survival in South African league

Interim coach of Marumo Gallants Trevor Mthiyane has expressed optimism about his outfit escaping relegation at the end of the South African Premiership.

Gallants played out a 1-1 draw against Richards Bay, extending their winless run to eight matches and marked their fifth draw in that period.

Currently second from bottom with just 23 points, the Mangaung-based side remain firmly in the relegation battle, with time running out to secure their top-flight status.

Speaking after the match, Mthiyane acknowledged the difficulty in maintaining their status in the league, but stressed his outfit will fight until the end.

“At the moment it is very difficult for every team at the bottom,” he said. “We got a point today and we have to appreciate what we get, and we’ll keep on fighting until we get the result.”

Gallants started slowly in the match, struggling to impose themselves in the first half before tactical adjustments improved their performance after the break.

“I think we started very slowly in the first half,” Mthiyane explained. “Christopher Sithole wasn’t getting on the ball so we had to make changes, and I’m happy that the changes worked and we were able to play and create chances in the second half.”

The draw offered only limited relief, with the club still in urgent need of victories as the season approaches its conclusion.

Gallants now face a decisive run-in, with an away trip to Polokwane City F.C. followed by a home fixture against Stellenbosch FC, matches that could ultimately determine their top-flight future.

For Mthiyane and his squad, the message remains simple but demanding: fight until the final whistle of the season, because survival is still mathematically possible — but increasingly fragile.