Gallants beat Soweto giants Orlando Pirates 2-0 at a sold-out Toyota Stadium, with goals in each half. The match also marked the start of a new era for the team – and hopefully a positive one – as it was the first game under their new head coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou, who joined the club on Thursday.

The Buccaneers enjoyed strong support in Bloemfontein and looked dangerous on the attack during the opening exchanges. However, Gallants silenced the vocal visiting fans early when their seasoned striker, Gabadinho Mhango, executed a perfectly placed free kick to break the deadlock in the 15th minute.

Junior Zindoga. Photo: Morgan Piek

Gallants took a 1-0 lead into the half-time break, but it came at a cost. Zimbabwean international goalkeeper Washington Arubi suffered a broken finger, potentially ruling him out for the rest of the season. They also lost centre-back Lebogang Mabotja after a collision with substitute goalkeeper Kagiso Mlambo. Mabotja sustained a knock to the neck, but it is believed that the injury is not too serious.

The second half delivered the same intensity and physicality as the opening 45 minutes. Gallants sealed the victory and three valuable log points in the 74th minute when Pirates midfielder and Bafana Bafana international Thalente Mbatha scored an own goal while attempting to intercept a cross from Masindi Nemtajela.

Sensing a crucial win, Gallants remained resolute to ensure they secured the points and sent their Siwelele faithful into full voice.

After the match, Ouaddou told OFM Sport that while he was pleased with his team’s performance, there are still areas that need improvement, particularly fitness.

“I agree with you because when you want to play high-level football, you need fitness,” said the former Fulham and Olympiakos centre-back.

“You definitely need good fitness – we’re still working on that because I’m not completely satisfied with our fitness levels, but we will improve. We are waiting for the FIFA break to focus on that. But today was okay – you could see in the last 20 minutes that my players were very, very tired.

Mpho Chatbatsane. Photo: Morgan Piek

“But when you are tired, what saves you? Sometimes, it's your spirit. I think they showed great spirit today. They played together with a lot of solidarity, from the goalkeeper to the striker. From the top, I could see we had that compactness, and everyone contributed to the structure.

“It was very important, but we must be careful because this is not how we want to play. In football, you need to play the game – you need to create chances and attack if you want to score. Unfortunately, I haven’t been here long, so I need more time to develop a team that plays exciting football.”

Gallants will now turn their focus to 5th-placed Stellenbosch FC, who they will face on Tuesday night at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium. Kick-off is at 19:30.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg