Marumo Gallants moved off the bottom of the Betway Premiership standings after defeating Siwelele FC 3-2 at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Friday, while the result left both clubs close to the foot of the table.
Gallants entered the fixture in 16th position with two points from eight matches. Their record consisted of two draws and six defeats, with a goal difference of minus seven.
The victory took their points tally to five from nine matches and lifted them to 15th place. Their record improved to one win, two draws and six defeats, although their goal difference moved to minus eight after conceding twice.
Siwelele began the match in 14th position with six points from eight matches. They had recorded one win, three draws and four defeats, with a goal difference of minus six.
The defeat left Siwelele on six points after nine matches, with one win, three draws and five losses. Their goal difference dropped to minus seven, but they retained 14th position.
For Gallants, the three points represented an important step after a difficult opening run. Coach Ronnie Kanalelo said the team had been eager to register a victory and understood the significance of improving its position on the standings.
“Of course I am happy. We got three points. We’ve been wanting this, you know? We’ve been wanting three points so greatly,” he said.
Kanalelo, however, cautioned that the result did not erase the defensive problems exposed during the match.
“I’m also not happy with how we conceded. I think it’s a little bit unacceptable,” he said, adding that his side had identified set pieces as a potential danger before half break talk.
For Siwelele, the defeat was a setback after a three match unbeaten run. Coach Godfrey Mosoetsa said his players needed to learn how to manage matches when they found themselves behind.
“I think we started becoming hasty because we were chasing the game and you end up not playing your game,” he said.
He urged his players to remain composed rather than allow the pressure of the scoreline to disrupt their approach.
“Even though you are still on the back foot, you still have to play your own game and be calm, and then the goal will come. If it doesn’t come, you will try again.”
Mosoetsa also pointed to defensive errors as a major factor in the defeat, saying his team should have prevented some of the goals.
“The first and the third one, I think that we shouldn’t have conceded those goals,” he said.
He added that his side had struggled to win second balls in the first half, allowing Gallants to gain momentum after scoring early.
The result leaves Gallants one place above the bottom of the standings, while Siwelele remain just above them. Both clubs will need greater consistency if they are to create distance between themselves and the teams in the lower positions.
For Gallants, the challenge will be to build on their first victory of the campaign. Siwelele, meanwhile, will be looking to respond after losing an opportunity to add to their points tally.