Nedbank Cup: Marumo Gallants to put focus on PSL survival after exit - Ouaddou

Photo Credit - Marumo Gallants Media.

After their journey in the Nedbank Cup ended in the semi-finals stage, Marumo Gallants coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has revealed they have shifted their focus to keep their status in the Betway Premiership.

Bahlabane Ba Ntwa's dream to play in the final of the competition came to a halt after they suffered a 1-0 defeat against Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium on Sunday. Kabelo Dlamini scored the only goal of the game to help Pirates reach a third successive final and they will face Kaizer Chiefs, who eliminated Mamelodi Sundowns after a 2-1.

Gallants are currently lying12th on the 16-team league table with 26 points from 24 matches. They have managed seven wins, five draws and suffered 12 defeats. They are two places above safety zone with Richards Bay, who are a place below them also on 26 points.

“We deserved to have scored at least one goal and gone to extra time, but we were not efficient enough in the final third. In the first half, we made some small mistakes and we conceded that goal. At this level, a game can be decided by small details and that's something we've learnt and we know we must improve in our league games,” said Ouaddou as quoted by Sowetan.

“You could see that Pirates managed the game well and showed experience. We are a bit disappointed, but we will not give up. We are going to rest and put all our focus on the PSL games because the priority was always to save the club. I think we need two wins to be safe.”

Bahlabane Ba Ntwa will next face Golden Arrows at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium on Saturday.