It was a game full of half-chances and near misses, but neither team had the cutting edge to make it count.

The result stretches Gallants’ winless run in the league to five matches. They remain 14th on the log, though they’ve edged a point clear of Orbit College FC in the relegation zone – a small but important cushion.

Gamphani Lungu on the charge for Siwelele. Photo: Morgan Piek

For Siwelele, it’s now three league matches without a win. They stay 10th on the standings, five points adrift of the top eight, with work still to be done to close that gap.

Siwelele showed early intent and were the first to test the keeper. In the 16th minute, Bohlale Ngwato unleashed a left-footed strike on target, but Gallants shot-stopper Kagiso Mlambo was equal to it, producing a sharp save to tip the ball behind for a corner.

Gallants responded with a sustained spell of pressure from around the half-hour mark. Ibrahim Bance, Siyabonga Nhlapo, Sibusiso Ncube, and Katlego Otladisa all had opportunities, but poor finishing let them down as the hosts failed to hit the target – leaving the match deadlocked at the break.

Phillip Ndlondlo (right). Photo: Morgan Piek

The home side made a double substitution at the start of the second half, with Bheki Mabuza and Jaisen Clifford replacing Bance and Matthew Marou. Moments later, the game took a dramatic turn when Siwelele were reduced to ten men in the 51st minute after Thato Letshedi was shown a straight red card.

Down to ten, Siwelele retreated into a compact defensive shape, soaking up pressure and closing off space in behind. 

Gallants dominated possession and territory for the remainder of the match, throwing fresh legs into the attack with Monde Mphambaniso and Thapelo Dhludhlu introduced off the bench.

Despite their efforts, the breakthrough never came. Siwelele held firm, while Gallants were left to rue missed opportunities in front of the goalpost.

Grant Magerman was a handful for the Marumo defenders to deal with. Photo: Morgan Piek

It was also another unusual day on the touchline for Gallants, with new head coach Jamil Benouahi once again absent from the dugout. The Moroccan coach was, however, spotted in the stands before kick-off, while former defender Trevor Mathiane took charge on the sidelines. An insider at the club told OFM Sport Benouahi is still awaiting his work permit in order to fully take charge of the team.

Adding to the off-field changes, it has also emerged French assistant coach Julien Outrebon has also parted ways with the club.

Looking ahead, Siwelele travel to Durban on Friday to face Golden Arrows at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium, while Gallants are on the road again on Saturday when they take on Sekhukhune United at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg