Marumo Gallants head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has expressed his disappointment following his team’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals.
Despite their valiant effort, Gallants fell short of reaching their second final in three seasons, with Kabelo Dlamini’s 22nd-minute strike proving decisive in sending Pirates through to yet another final.
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While the loss was a bitter pill to swallow, Ouaddou remains optimistic about his team’s future, emphasizing that their primary focus now shifts to securing their place in the Betway Premiership.
Ouaddou praised his players for their fighting spirit, noting that they showed great determination throughout the match.
“We did enough to at least take the game into extra time,” he said. “But we weren’t clinical in front of goal. The match hinged on small details, and unfortunately, we were punished for minor lapses.”
He acknowledged that small mistakes at this level can be costly but believes his squad has learned valuable lessons that will aid them in their remaining league matches. With only a handful of games left in the season, Gallants must regroup quickly and channel their energy into avoiding the drop.
“The mission now is clear – survival in the PSL,” he declared. “The cup run is over, and we need to regroup. Two wins – six points – that’s what we need to secure our place. We’re not far off, and the team knows what’s at stake.”
Gallants are currently 12th in the league standings, just a few points above the relegation playoffs, making their upcoming fixtures crucial in their battle for survival. In fact, sitting just three points from the play-off spot, Gallants are preparing for a crucial home clash against Golden Arrows at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium this Saturday at 3pm.
With Royal AM’s recent expulsion from the league altering the relegation landscape, the battle now is to stay clear of the dreaded play-off zone. For Ouaddou, the fight is about more than just league position – it’s about pride, identity, and the people of Bloemfontein.
“This is a football city. The supporters live and breathe the game,” he said. “Bloemfontein deserves a strong club. We’re fighting for them, and we’re determined to keep this team alive.”
Bahlabane Ba Ntwa may be down, but they are far from out – and the next chapter of their survival story kicks off this weekend. As they prepare for the final stretch of the season, the team will need to summon every ounce of determination to ensure they remain in the South African topflight for another campaign.