The win sees Gallants climb to 12th on the log, moving out of the relegation zone, though they are far from safe just yet.

Gallants made a blistering start to the game when midfielder Masindi Nemtajela opened the scoring in the 2nd minute at the Mbombela Stadium. His early strike was enough to give the visitors a 1-0 lead heading into half-time in the Lowveld.

In the second half, Zimbabwean international striker Daniel Msendami doubled the lead for the Bloemfontein-based side in the 56th minute with a cracking goal.

Daniel Msendami. Photo: Morgan Piek

TS Galaxy responded in the 67th minute through former Bloemfontein Celtic striker Victor Letsoalo, but it proved to be too little, too late. The goal did, however, inject some urgency into the Rockets’ play, leading to a few nervy moments in the Gallants’ defence.

With their lead in tact, Gallants introduced their two new signings, Dino Ndlovu and Shaun Morgan, for their debuts. Morgan’s first appearance will be memorable for the wrong reasons, as he received a yellow card just minutes after coming on.

Gallants now shift their focus to another important clash in Bloemfontein on Saturday, where they will take on SuperSport United.

In Sunday’s other matches, Polokwane City defeated Richards Bay 3-1, a result that allowed Gallants to leapfrog the KwaZulu-Natal side on the log. Also in Polokwane, SuperSport United and Cape Town City played to a goalless draw. The Citizens remain 14th on the table, while Matsatsantsa A Pitori sit two points behind them in 15th place.

On Saturday, Magesi FC stunned Stellenbosch FC with a 1-0 victory, Golden Arrows edged Kaizer Chiefs 2-1, and Chippa United secured a 2-1 win over AmaZulu.

Marumo Gallants’ clash against SuperSport United at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium will kick off at 15:00 on Saturday.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek