Marumo Gallants’ winless Betway Premiership run continues with Polokwane draw

Marumo Gallants remain without a victory in the Betway Premiership after being held to a 2-2 draw by Polokwane City on Friday night.

The result extends Gallants’ difficult start to the campaign, with Phuti Mohafe’s side now having managed three defeats and two draws from their opening five league matches.

Gallants had been hoping to revive their season after losing three of their first four matches and drawing the other. Before the meeting with Polokwane City, they had scored only three goals in the campaign while conceding eight.

Their defensive problems were exposed again almost immediately. Polokwane City took the lead after just three minutes when Tidimalo Molokwane found the net for Rise and Shine, scoring his first goal of the season.

The hosts responded in the 17th minute through Msindisi Ndlovu, who brought the scores level and gave Gallants a platform to take control of the match.

That momentum did not last long, however. Bonginkosi Dlamini restored Polokwane City’s advantage eight minutes later, registering his first league goal of the campaign.

Gallants were able to go into half-time on level terms after Lebohang Nkaki turned the ball into his own net while attempting to clear it. The unfortunate deflection gave the home side a 2-2 equaliser on the stroke of half-time.

The second period continued at a lively pace as both teams searched for their first win of the campaign. Polokwane City came close to moving back in front shortly before the hour mark when Juan Mutudza unleashed a powerful effort, but Marumo Gallants goalkeeper Emile Lako produced a save to keep the scores level.

Mohafe’s team controlled much of the remainder of the match and enjoyed the greater share of possession. Despite that dominance, they struggled to create a clear opportunity against Ayanda Ngwenya, and Polokwane City’s goalkeeper was not seriously tested for the rest of the second half.

The best late chance fell to substitute Katlego Otladisa in stoppage time. Sibusiso Ncube picked out the former Orlando Pirates player inside the penalty area, but Otladisa could not direct his attempt on target.

The two teams therefore had to settle for a point, with both still waiting for their first league victory of the season.

Marumo Gallants’ next three league fixtures are away to AmaZulu FC, at home against Orlando Pirates and away to Sekhukhune United.

Polokwane City will host Kaizer Chiefs next, before facing AmaZulu FC at home and travelling to play Siwelele FC.