On Tuesday night, Siwelele, coached by Lehlohonolo Seema, were beaten 2-0 by TS Galaxy at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit. Winger Seluleko Mahlambi opened the scoring for the Rockets with a 22nd-minute goal in the Lowveld. 

Then, right on the stroke of half-time, Mahlambi struck again to double the home side’s lead. That’s how the score stayed as Galaxy claimed their second win of the season and walked away with all three points.

Lehlohonolo Seema. Photo: Morgan Piek

This latest defeat will be a major concern for Siwelele after also going down 1-0 to newly promoted Orbit College FC at the Dobsonville Stadium, and 1-0 to Polokwane City at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville.

What’s even more worrying for Seema’s charges is that they haven’t managed to score a goal since their sensational PSL debut, when they stunned Golden Arrows 3-1 at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein. It should also be stressed that all of these matches were played outside Bloemfontein,  although the clash against Polokwane City was technically a “home” game.

Siwelele will have an opportunity to bounce back on Friday night when they face Richards Bay at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00.

Langelihle Phili (left) against Marumo Gallants in Bloemfontein during the Carling Knockout Cup. Photo: Morgan Piek

Meanwhile, despite back-to-back wins against Richards Bay and Orlando Pirates earlier this season, things aren’t looking much better for Bloemfontein’s other PSL side, Marumo Gallants.

On Tuesday night, Gallants suffered a 1-0 defeat to Stellenbosch FC at the Danie Craven Stadium, courtesy of a Langelihle Phili strike in the 46th minute. It was Gallants’ second loss in a row, following their 1-0 defeat to AmaZulu a week earlier at the Princess Magogo Stadium in Durban.

They too will be eyeing a comeback when they host Polokwane City on Sunday at 15:00, once again at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh