Bloemfontein will be Gallants' new home

by Staff Reporter

Sunday Aug 20, 2023. 12:46

Marumo Gallants have announced they will use the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein as their new home ground for the 2023-24 season once renovations have been completed.

Bahlabane Ba Ntwa are preparing for life in the Motsepe Foundation Championship following their relegation from the DStv Premiership on the final day of the 2022-23 campaign.

The club, who was formed in 2021 after purchasing the PSL franchise of Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila, has undergone a massive shake-up in the off-season, with Sinky Mnisi being appointed as CEO and Pitso Dladla brought in as their new head coach.

“Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein was confirmed as a home ground for the new season, however, maintenance is underway to get the stadium ready for play,” Gallants revealed in a statement.

“Isak Steyl Stadium at the Vaal University of Technology (Gauteng), also confirmed as a home ground alternative, will host Gallants’ upcoming home games in the interim.

“Pitso Dladla, former Richards Bay coach, has been confirmed as the club’s head coach. He will be supported by Rodney Moroka as assistant coach, with Stevanus Ekakala remaining as goalkeeper coach.

“Amos Dhlomo will also stay on as fitness trainer and masseur, with Rasikan Moodley joining the club as technical performance coach.”

The Free State government has been looking to revive Bloemfontein Celtic, who sold their franchise to Royal AM in 2021, and had hopes that Gallants would relocate to the City of Roses, although that plan fell flat following their relegation.

The possibility remains that the deal could be revived if Bahlabane Ba Ntwa win promotion back to the top flight at the end of the current campaign.