By Katleho Malangabe.
Marumo Gallants missed another golden chance again to pull themselves out of the relegation zone as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Richards Bay in a crucial Betway Premiership clash at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium on Saturday, 9 May 2026.
The Gallants, who came into the match sitting 15th on the log with just 22 points, desperately needed a victory to boost their survival hopes. Instead, they extended their poor run and remain firmly in the danger zone.
Richards Bay took the lead in the 10th minute through an own goal by Marumo’s Marvin Sibusiso Sikhosana. The visitors looked solid at the back and dangerous on the counter, while Gallants struggled to create clear chances in the first half.
Gallants showed more fight after the break and managed to equalise in the 60th minute through Bheki Mabuza. The home fans had hope, believing their team could push for a winning goal that could have lifted them off the bottom. However, despite late pressure, Marumo Gallants could not find the winner.
The final whistle left players and supporters disappointed as another vital opportunity to gain ground in the relegation battle slipped away, with only a few matches remaining, the situation is becoming critical for them.
They now sit on 23 points, just one point above the automatic relegation spot and level on points with teams fighting for survival. “I can’t faulter my boys, they are fighting, just that we need that luck, so I think it will come.” said coach Trevor Mathiane.
Every point is worth gold in this tight relegation battle. Richards Bay on the other hand, collected a valuable away point that helped them move closer to securing their place in the top flight for another season.
For Marumo Gallants, the dream of staying in the Premiership is hanging by a thread. They will need to produce a miracle in their remaining games if they are you avoid the drop to the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
