The victory marks Gallants’ first win of the 2026/27 campaign and their first Premier Soccer League success since March. More importantly, the three points provide some much-needed relief for coach Ronnie Kanalelo, whose side have been under increasing pressure following a difficult start to the season.

For Siwelele, it was a frustrating evening as their three-match unbeaten run came to an end. The Bloemfontein-based outfit remain 14th on the log and will have little time to dwell on the disappointment, with a Carling Knockout showdown against Kaizer Chiefs awaiting them next weekend.

Last season this fixture was still called the Bloemfontein derby. Photo: Morgan Piek

There was certainly no shortage of entertainment in Rustenburg, with both sides producing an entertaining first half that featured three goals and plenty of attacking intent.

Gallants got off to the perfect start when Samkelo Sihlali found the back of the net in just the seventh minute. The eventual Man of the Match opened the scoring with his first goal since joining the North West outfit from Sekhukhune United on a free transfer last winter.

Siwelele gradually worked their way into the contest and were rewarded in the 26th minute when debutant Raymond Makhuvele restored parity at 1-1.

However, Gallants had the final say before the break. Seketso Moremi turned provider, setting up Phillip Ndlondlo, who made no mistake to put the hosts 2-1 ahead and register his first goal of the campaign.

The second half continued in much the same fashion, with Gallants wasting little time in extending their advantage. Just four minutes after the restart, Msindisi Ndlovu produced a superb pass to release Sihlali, who calmly finished to complete his brace and make it 3-1 in the 49th minute.

Siwelele refused to throw in the towel and quickly found a response. Six minutes later, Vincent Pule stepped up to unleash a powerful free-kick that flew into the net, giving Gallants’ goalkeeper little chance and reducing the deficit to 3-2. It was Pule’s second goal of the season.

With the clock ticking down, Siwelele coach Godfrey Mosoetsa turned to former Orlando Pirates striker Zakhele Lepasa, introducing him in the 84th minute in search of a late equaliser. The visitors pushed forward in the closing stages, hoping to snatch a point, but Gallants stood firm when it mattered most.

Meanwhile, the pick of the weekend’s fixtures will be kick-off at 15:30 on Saturday when Orlando Pirates host rivals Kaizer Chiefs at a sold-out FNB Stadium in the big Soweto derby.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg