Soccer
Marumo Gallants embrace ‘big brother’ role in Bloemfontein─── MORGAN PIEK 08:44 Thu, 07 Aug 2025

The Bloemfontein-based Premier Soccer League (PSL) side, Marumo Gallants, are locked and loaded for the 2025/26 season, which gets underway this weekend.
On Wednesday evening, Bahlabane Ba Ntwa officially launched their season in Bloemfontein, with high hopes and ambitions of building on last season’s performance. Gallants finished 10th overall in the 2024/25 campaign – just one point shy of the top eight – after narrowly avoiding relegation following a poor start to the season.
This will be their second season based in Bloemfontein, and this time around, they take on the role of “big brother” with Siwelele FC also playing out of the City of Roses.
The midfielder Edgar Manaka is the Gallants captain again for the 2025/26 season. Photo: Morgan Piek
The new season also marks the debut campaign for head coach Alexandre Laffite of France, who, at just 28 years old, is set to become the youngest head coach in PSL history.
Gallants will open their campaign away from home against Richards Bay FC (the Rich Boys) in Durban this Saturday (9/8). Then, on Tuesday, they will host Orlando Pirates at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Rocklands for their first home fixture.
One of the most exciting developments for football fans in the Free State is Bloemfontein will host a PSL match every weekend – when Gallants are at home, Siwelele FC will be away, and vice versa. This means local fans will get to see top teams like Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Stellenbosch FC play in the city at least twice during the season.
Speaking to OFM Sport, Laffite said the immediate focus is on the opening clash against Richards Bay, although the excitement is building for the showdown with Pirates. “For me, it’s important to get off to a good start on Saturday. That’s very important.
“I’m focused on Richards Bay for now, even though we have a quick turnaround before the home game against Pirates. That will be a fantastic occasion for the fans and the team.
“But right now, the focus is on getting three points. It’s a big challenge, but I’m ready for it.”
The Zimbabwean international goalkeeper Washington Arubi is one of three vice-captains for Gallants. Photo: Morgan Piek
Gallants had a five-week pre-season under Laffite, which is significantly more than Siwelele, who only had two weeks to prepare for their season opener against Golden Arrows, also in Bloemfontein this Saturday.
Laffite admitted that the short preparation time presented challenges, but remains confident that the team is ready.
“Yes, we’ve had five weeks to prepare. I think we now have a solid understanding of the team,” he said.
“It’s always better to have more time to implement my methodology and game model. But I believe we’re ready. As the season progresses, the team will continue to improve – but we’re ready to start now.”
Alexandre Laffite. Photo: Gallants
Gallants head into the season with some momentum after winning the Top Four Tournament at Olympia Park in Rustenburg, where they beat newly promoted Orbit College FC 1–0 in the final two weeks ago. Along the way, they also thrashed Jwaneng Galaxy FC 6–0.
It’s also been confirmed that veteran midfielder Edgar Manaka has been re-elected by his teammates to captain the side again this season.
Saturday’s season opener between Richards Bay and Marumo Gallants kicks off at 15:00 at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium in Durban.
OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg