By Palesa Ndinisa & Ncamiso Dlamini
Marumo Gallants Football Club officials have reflected on the club’s remarkable five year journey, highlighting major on-field achievements, growing community impact, and clear ambitions to establish the Free State based side as a dominant force in South African football.
Formed officially on 21 January 2021 after acquiring the status of Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (formerly Bidvest Wits), Marumo Gallants wasted no time in making history.
In just their first season, the club reached the Nedbank Cup final and went on to lift the trophy in 2022, securing continental qualification. “We even went through to the Nedbank Cup final and became champions in our first season,” said a club official. “That achievement alone placed Marumo Gallants on the map.” Following the Nedbank Cup triumph, Gallants competed in the CAF Confederation Cup, where they advanced to the semi finals, an extraordinary feat for a club still in its infancy. “For a team that was only two years old, reaching the CAF semi-finals was a massive achievement,” the official added. “It showed that the project was moving in the right direction.”
Marumo Gallants’ domestic performances have continued to reflect steady growth. Last season, the club reached the Carling Knockout semi-finals, while this season they advanced to the final, narrowly losing 1–0 to Orlando Pirates after extra time. Along the way, Gallants eliminated heavyweights such as Mamelodi Sundowns, Stellenbosch FC, and Golden Arrows, further underlining their progress. “Our journey this season shows that the team is growing steadily and fast,” the official said. “We are happy with where we are.”
The club credited its progress to long-term planning, stability, and careful recruitment. Marumo Gallants introduced respected coaches such as Abdeslam Ouaddou, now at Orlando Pirates, and currently rely on young French tactician Alexandre Lafitte, who is only 28 years old. “We don’t believe in changing coaches unnecessarily,” the official explained. “We bring in people we believe can take Marumo Gallants forward.”
The squad blends experience and youth, with key players including goalkeeper Washington Arubi, who impressed at the 2025 AFCON, captain Edgar Manaka, Katlego Otladisa, Mondli Mpambaniso, and veteran Siyabonga Nhlapo.
Recent signings include Ivorian striker Romaric Dogbo N’Guessan Kouattara, Zambian forward Emmanuel Leonce Mwinde, and South African winger Msindi Kunene, as the club looks to strengthen for the second half of the season. Gallants’ immediate objective is to improve on last season’s 10th-place finish, with a top-eight league position now firmly in sight. “Anything within the top eight will be an achievement for us,” the official said. “We also still have the Nedbank Cup coming, and we believe we can compete.”
Off the pitch, Marumo Gallants continue to invest heavily in communities through their CSI arm, Marumo Cares. According to Project Manager & CSI of Marumo Gallants FC and Marumo Cares, Louisa Molise, initiatives include the Big Clean Campaign in Bloemfontein, a Back-to-School drive in partnership with Bloem Plaza Mall, and ongoing youth empowerment programmes focusing on education, sports development, health awareness, and economic upliftment.
Upcoming initiatives include:
Youth hygiene pack distribution in March (Human Rights Month)
Food parcel donations during Easter
Youth wellness programmes in June, including financial literacy and health screenings
“These projects are about giving back to the same communities that support the club,” said Louisa.
With relocation to Bloemfontein now complete, Marumo Gallants believe the foundation has been laid for sustained success. “Our first two seasons here were about settling and building,” the official said. “From next season, we want to seriously challenge for domestic trophies, league honours, and compete in Africa.”
Marumo Gallants will host Kaizer Chiefs at Dr Rantlai Molemela Stadium on Wednesday at 19:30, followed by a home fixture against AmaZulu on Saturday
