Gallants hoping to build on their first win v Rise and Shine

Marumo Gallants head coach Dan Malesela is hoping to have Gabadinho Mhango available for the Carling Knockout clash with Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday, October 19.

Kick-off is at 8pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

Mhango is the subject of an internal investigation by Bahlabane Ba Ntwa following an incident earlier this month and was left out of the squad for the defeat to Kaizer Chiefs on penalties in the CUFA Cup last weekend.

However, the Malawi international was present at the game and Malesela insists that he remains an integral part of the team while expressing hope that the matter is resolved speedily.

Gallants finally got their season up and running when they beat AmaZulu 1-0 on September 28 after losing their opening three matches in the Betway Premiership.

Polokwane City got off to a flying start with back-to-back victories over Usuthu (2-1) and Magesi (2-0) before a 3-0 reverse to Orlando Pirates ended their perfect record.

Phuti Mohafe's side played out to a 1-1 draw with Stellenbosch most recently, having seen their run in the Carling Knockout come to an end at the hands of the Maroons in the quarterfinals last season.

WHAT WAS SAID

Marumo Gallants head coach Dan Malesela

"He (Mhango) is still very much an important player. If he has made a mistake, we must understand that we are human.

"I don't want to speculate, the club is dealing with some issues regarding Mhango, not the [reported] incident. You can't be going on hearsay, let the right people, the relevant people, deal with whatever disciplinary measure, if there is any.

"I focus on the playing part, and I hope there isn't anything as massive as it's made out to be. The player needs to play." 

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Polokwane City - Oswin Appollis remains crucial to Mohafe's plans after he failed to secure a move to Kaizer Chiefs during the recent transfer window. The 23-year-old winger's fine form for Rise and Shine last term earned him a place in the last two Bafana Bafana squads, and he started all four of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, scoring a brace against South Sudan.

Marumo Gallants - Daniel Msendami has already made an impact for his new club after being signed from Jwaneng Galaxy in July. The 23-year-old Zimbabwean winger got an assist against Mamelodi Sundowns before opening his account with a fine individual goal after just three minutes to secure victory over AmaZulu.

HEAD-TO-HEAD (Previous five meetings)

Matches - 5

Polokwane wins - 3

Gallants wins - 1

Draws - 1