Marumo will be targeting a third consecutive semi-final appearance in a cup competition after reaching the last four in both the Carling Knockout Cup and the Nedbank Cup during the 2024/25 season. As Gallants finished 10th in the Premier Soccer League last season, they did not qualify to play in the season’s first cup competition, the MTN8.

Marumo secured their spot in the quarter-finals by beating Mamelodi Sundowns 7–6 on penalties in the Round of 16 at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville.

Kossi Adetu. Photo: Morgan Piek

It was a sweet moment for the club as it was their first-ever win against the Brazilians, who also beat them in last season’s semi-finals.

During the same stage of the competition last season, Marumo, still coached by Dan Malesela, beat Stellies 1–0 to reach the semi-finals.

Apart from their win against Downs, Gallants also beat city rivals Siwelele FC on penalties to win the CUFA Cup, while more recently, they edged Chippa United 2–1 at the death in their last league outing.

Coach Alexandre Lafitte told OFM Sport that it’s important for him and his team to ride the wave of confidence and momentum from their last three outings.

“This is a very important game, and I think at the moment we are very confident,” said Lafitte. “That’s because we won our last game and had a good match against Mamelodi Sundowns.

“The game against Stellenbosch is very important; they are very strong and very difficult to play against.

Daniel Msendami during last year's 1-0 win against Stellenbosch FC in the quarter-finals. Photo: Morgan Piek

“It’s important to have the same attitude on the field. All the players have the same focus and objective; so for that, we are ready and we know how to manage the game in order to qualify for the semi-finals.”

A key feature of Gallants’ game of late has been their never-say-die attitude, and captain and goalkeeper Washington Arubi told OFM Sport that his team’s mindset is very pleasing.

“We finished our previous game with a lot of confidence; to have that type of attitude as a team is a great victory,” said the Zimbabwean international, who recently kept a clean sheet against Bafana Bafana.

Stellenbosch FC and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Sage Stephens. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I think as a team we just have to keep going and improve on that attitude going into the next game against Stellenbosch, and carry on with the momentum.

“We are motivated because we’ve won our last three games, so we just have to keep on going and make sure we carry that winning mentality forward.”

Meanwhile, on Tuesday night, Orlando Pirates will host the defending champions, John Maduka’s Magesi FC. Wednesday’s quarter-final between Marumo and Stellies at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein will kick off at 19:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh