The Bloemfontein-based club played a league game against AmaZulu in Durban last week, which they lost 2-0. 

The last time Gallants played a cup game at home was in the semi-finals of the Carling Knockout Cup, which they also lost 2-0 to the PSL champions, Mamelodi Sundowns.

Earlier in the season, Gallants chalked up their first win of the campaign when they beat AmaZulu, and they will draw confidence from that.

Edgar Manaka. Photo: Morgan Piek

During the Round of 32, Gallants left it until late to beat Pretoria Callies at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, and they consider themselves somewhat lucky to have pulled through.

As a PSL team, AmaZulu is much stronger than Callies, who play in the National First Division. Gallants’ Edgar Manaka said that while AmaZulu are stronger than Callies, they prefer playing a team they know. “It’s going to be a tough one, but as a club, I think we welcome the fixture,” said Manaka.

“It's much better to play an opponent that you know in this competition. We really understand our space, as we've been here as a club as Marumo, so it’s much better than the last opponents, but this one is much tougher as we’ve also played them before.”

Manaka added that playing in front of their home support at the Slaughterhouse is like having an extra player on the pitch.

“It has been magnificent – the support has really given us a boost,” Manaka said about playing in front of their home fans. “I think as a team we’re improving, especially when playing in front of big crowds. That really helps in terms of our confidence.”

Saturday’s knockout game between Gallants and Usuthu at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium kicks off at 15:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg