Ronnie Kananelo Gets First Win! Marumo Gallants Finally Break Their Premiership Duck In Five-Goal Thriller

Marumo Gallants have finally secured their first victory of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season after producing a dramatic 3-2 win over Siwelele FC at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Friday night.

The result marked a significant moment for new head coach Ronnie Kananelo, who has made an immediate impact by guiding Bahlabane Ba Ntwa to three valuable points in his first major breakthrough with the club.

After enduring a difficult start to the campaign, Gallants desperately needed a positive result to lift confidence within the squad and give their supporters something to celebrate. They delivered in an entertaining encounter that featured five goals, an early double from Samkele Sihlali and plenty of attacking action.

The victory also helped Gallants move away from the bottom of the league standings, climbing from 16th place to 15th. Although they remain in the relegation conversation, the result provides an important opportunity to build momentum.

Gallants made a positive start, with Sihlali opening the scoring in the seventh minute. His early goal gave the home side an important advantage and offered a glimpse of the attacking intent they would bring to the contest.

Siwelele responded through Raymond Makhuvele, who found the net in the 26th minute to bring the visitors back into the match.

The game continued at a lively pace, and Gallants restored their lead through Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo in the 32nd minute. His goal ensured that the hosts went into the break ahead after an action-packed first half.

Sihlali then struck again in the 49th minute, completing his brace and putting Gallants in a stronger position.

However, Siwelele refused to surrender. Maliele Pule scored in the 55th minute, reducing the deficit to one goal and setting up a tense final period.

Despite the pressure, Gallants managed to protect their advantage and secure the full three points.

For Kananelo, the victory represents an encouraging start to his efforts to improve Gallants' fortunes. Taking charge of a team struggling near the bottom of the table is never straightforward, and the new coach will know that one result cannot solve every problem.

Nevertheless, winning a closely contested match can provide confidence, particularly for players who have been under pressure following a disappointing run.

The performance also demonstrated that Gallants possess attacking options capable of troubling opposition defences. Sihlali's two goals and Ndlondlo's contribution were especially important in a match where the team needed to make its chances count.

The challenge now is consistency. Gallants must use this result as a foundation rather than allow it to become an isolated moment of celebration.

With the Premiership campaign continuing, every point could prove important in the battle to climb the standings and avoid a prolonged relegation fight.

Source:

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