Mangaung Metro Municipality celebrated Marumo Gallants after the squad secured a finals berth in the Carling Knockout Cup through a 4-2 penalty victory against Golden Arrows on November 9, 2025. City Manager Sello More commended the team's determination following their 2-2 draw at King Zwelithini Stadium, where goalkeeper Washington Arubi delivered two critical saves during the shootout. The franchise will meet Orlando Pirates on December 6 at New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane for the championship match.
Coach Alexandre Lafitte expressed confidence about defeating Pirates, noting his club had already eliminated Mamelodi Sundowns and Stellenbosch FC during their tournament run. Goals from Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo and Daniel Msendami allowed Gallants to twice recover from deficits created by Isaac Cisse and Nqobeko Dlamini before Ibrahim Bance converted the decisive penalty kick.
The achievement strengthens a November 2024 partnership between Mangaung and the Bloemfontein-based club that promotes youth development and facility access while boosting regional pride among Free State supporters.
Coach Alexandre Lafitte expressed confidence about defeating Pirates, noting his club had already eliminated Mamelodi Sundowns and Stellenbosch FC during their tournament run. Goals from Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo and Daniel Msendami allowed Gallants to twice recover from deficits created by Isaac Cisse and Nqobeko Dlamini before Ibrahim Bance converted the decisive penalty kick.
The achievement strengthens a November 2024 partnership between Mangaung and the Bloemfontein-based club that promotes youth development and facility access while boosting regional pride among Free State supporters.
