Marumo Gallants’ newly appointed head coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou, was full of praise for his team after they secured a crucial 2-0 victory over title-contenders Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership on Saturday.
The match saw Gallants produce a solid performance, with a first-half strike from Gabadinho Mhango in the 15th minute and an own goal from Orlando Pirates’ Thalente Mbatha in the 74th minute.
These two goals ensured the relegation-threatened Gallants claimed all three points, lifting them above Richards Bay into 13th place in the league standings.
The win was particularly significant for Gallants, who had been fighting to escape the relegation zone, as it marked a much-needed boost for their survival hopes.
On the other hand, Orlando Pirates, who were hoping to keep the pressure on league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, remained in second place, although their gap to the top has now widened to 18 points.
The Buccaneers still have four games in hand, but Sundowns’ 1-0 win over Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday made their title chase even more challenging.
Read: Sundowns Coach Miguel Cardoso Reflects on Amakhosi Victory
Ouaddou, who was taking charge of his first match as head coach of Gallants after the departure of Dan Malesela three weeks ago, expressed his joy and satisfaction with the team’s performance.
Speaking to SuperSport after the match, the Moroccan mentor said, “I would like to congratulate my players.
“They did a great job, it was not easy but I told them they had to believe in themselves. It was so difficult, we played a very good team with very good players.
“We knew we had to be strong and find the right moment to finish them off. That is what we did.
“But we have to quickly think about the next game. We still need points to save the club (from relegation). We have to build on that performance and go forward.”
The victory provides a morale boost for Gallants as they fight to secure their top-flight status, while Ouaddou’s leadership will be crucial in guiding the team through what promises to be a challenging end to the season.
It’s a swift turnaround for Ouaddou and his Gallants outfit, who have a midweek clash with Steve Barker’s Stellenbosch FC at the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium. Kick off in Bloemfontein is set for 19:30 on Tuesday, 04 March 2025.