The announcement was made earlier in the week during the club’s 2026/27 Premier Soccer League season launch in Sandton, Johannesburg, just days before the new campaign gets underway. Gallants’ departure marks another setback for football in the Free State, although it had been widely anticipated following the club’s challenges over the past two seasons. 

During the previous campaign, much of the local fan base shifted its support to the newly established Siwelele FC.

Marumo Gallants enjoyed good support during their first season in Bloemfontein. Photo: Morgan Piek

The team’s on-field performances over the past two seasons also didn’t do much to convince fans as they barely survived relegation, while the number of coaches that came and left was also rather alarming.

Despite the disappointing news for some supporters, Gallants played an important role in restoring top-flight football to Bloemfontein at a time when the city was without a Premier Soccer League club.

Club chairman Abram Sello acknowledged leaving Bloemfontein was a difficult decision, but believes the move back to North West is in the best interests of the club, both on and off the field.

The Burkina Faso international Ibrahim Bance is said to have left Marumo Gallants as well. Photo: Morgan Piek

“After careful consideration, we have decided to relocate our home back to the North West province. It is the right decision from both a football and business perspective, and all our home matches for the 2026/27 season will be played at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.

“Our players are based in Gauteng, and the long travel every second week was taking its toll. We want them in the best possible condition to compete, and relocating closer to home makes football sense.”

Sello also thanked the people of the Free State for their support during the club’s stay in Bloemfontein.

“We are sincerely grateful to the Free State government, Mangaung Metro, local businesses, football stakeholders and, especially, our supporters for welcoming and supporting us during our time in the City of Roses.

Former Gallants captain and goalkeeper Washington Arubi has returned to his native Zimbabwe. Photo: Morgan Piek

“We experienced practical challenges with stadium availability and the associated costs, with some of our home matches having to be moved away from Bloemfontein. We had to make a decision that secures the long-term future of the club.”

With Gallants heading back to North West, Siwelele FC will now carry the hopes of local football supporters in the PSL. Their eagerly awaited league campaign begins on Sunday when they host TS Galaxy at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein, with kick-off scheduled for 17:30.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm