Gallants have already beaten Pirates twice in the Premier Soccer League this year – a convincing 2–0 win at the Toyota Stadium in March, followed by a gritty 2–1 victory at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium early in the new season. The Buccaneers did, however, edge Gallants 1–0 at Orlando Stadium in April’s Nedbank Cup semi-final.

But Saturday’s final is a completely different ball-game – a fresh chance for both teams to etch their names into South African football folklore. 

And while Gallants may be a much smaller club than the mighty Sea Robbers, lifting the trophy would be a fairytale ending to what has already been a gutsy and remarkable campaign.

One man who embodies that fighting spirit is diminutive midfield maestro Ndabayithethwa “Phillip” Ndlondlo, who stands at just 1,61 m tall – but has the heart of a lion. The playmaker began his career at Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila before the club rebranded as Marumo Gallants. 

After more than 100 appearances he earned a move to Pirates, only to return earlier this year – and since then he has been nothing short of a “Little Napoleon” for Gallants, the heartbeat of the team.

On Sunday, Marumo, held their breath as Ndlondlo took a heavy knockout in the 1–1 PSL draw against Magesi FC, in Bloemfontein. The player was carted off the field, and there were concerns that he wouldn’t be available. However, he is fully fit and ready for the final.

Phillip Ndlondlo after sustaining his injury against Magesi FC on Sunday. Photo: Morgan Piek

Ndlondlo told OFM Sport although Pirates may currently be the form team in South African football, they too have weaknesses – and Gallants intend to expose them.

“We know they’re a strong team, but they’re also vulnerable. Our job is to put them in situations where those vulnerabilities show, and we’re working hard on that,” said Ndlondlo.

“They play good football, but when they attack, they leave fewer numbers behind. We want to exploit that, and at the same time keep the ball, because they become uncomfortable when you keep possession.”

With the final officially sold out and a roaring atmosphere expected, Ndlondlo stressed the importance of treating the clash like any other match and not letting the occasion overwhelm them.

“It’s a sold-out cup final, but we’re not going there to play the occasion – we’re going to play the match. As Marumo Gallants, we have an opportunity to write history, and we’re going to grab it with both hands and give it our all.

“This is another big opportunity for us. I started winning trophies with Pirates in the Nedbank Cup, so it’s motivating for all of us to write our names in the history books and put the team on the map.

“Saturday is there for the taking.”

The highly anticipated Carling Knockout Cup final between Marumo Gallants and Orlando Pirates at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium kicks off at 18:00 on Saturday.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs