Marumo Gallants Football Club, one of South Africa’s youngest and most unpredictable football stories, has packed an entire era of drama, triumph, and chaos into just a few seasons. From cup finals and CAF Confederation Cup glory to relegation heartbreak, Gallants have shown that football is about more than longevity — it’s about impact. Under the stewardship of owner Abram Sello, the club experienced both incredible continental highs and crushing domestic setbacks, carving out a truly memorable chapter in South African football history.
🟨 SECTION 2: Club Overview
Quick Facts About Marumo Gallants FC
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marumo Gallants Football Club |
| Nickname | Bahlabani (Warriors) |
| Founded | 2021 (via purchase of TTM’s PSL status) |
| Owner | Abram Sello |
| Location | Bloemfontein (relocated in 2024) |
| Previous Bases | Polokwane, Limpopo |
| Home Ground | Peter Mokaba Stadium / Free State Stadium |
| League History | PSL (2021–23), NFD (2023–24), PSL (2024–) |
| Club Colors | Green, White, and Gold |
| Status | Active |
🟨 SECTION 3: Origin Story – Born from a Buyout
A New Club with a Familiar Past
Marumo Gallants were officially born in 2021, when they purchased the PSL license from Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM). TTM had just won the 2020–21 Nedbank Cup, qualifying for CAF competition — and Gallants inherited that continental spot. Though the club was new in name, it carried forward the legacy of rapid evolution, aggressive ambition, and bold ownership.
🟨 SECTION 4: Notable Achievements
Early Impact, Big Moments
| Competition | Achievement |
|---|---|
| CAF Confederation Cup | 🏆 Semi-finalists (2022–23) |
| Nedbank Cup | 🥈 Finalists (2021–22) |
| Premiership Finish | 🔟 10th place (2021–22 season) |
Despite being a young club, Gallants have already made a deep CAF run and played in a major domestic final — an impressive start for any new side.
🟨 SECTION 5: 2021–22 Season – A Bold Entrance
Cup Finalists & Continental Debut
- League Finish: 10th place
- Top Scorer: Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo (7 goals)
- Nedbank Cup: Reached the final, lost to Mamelodi Sundowns (2–1 AET)
- CAF Confederation Cup: Played via inherited slot from TTM
Gallants showed early signs of promise with a disciplined, counter-attacking side, making their debut season a statement of intent.
🟨 SECTION 6: 2022–23 Season – Chaos and Glory
From Rock Bottom to African Semis
- First Half: Bottom of the PSL with only 2 wins by January
- Coach Change: Dylan Kerr brought in as acting head coach
- CAF Confederation Cup: Miraculously reached the semi-finals, defeating Pyramids FC of Egypt
- PSL Finish: 16th (relegated on final day after losing to Moroka Swallows)
Despite the continental heroics, Gallants were relegated, following internal chaos, a training boycott over unpaid bonuses, and missed survival chances.
🟨 SECTION 7: CAF Confederation Cup – A Surprise Run
The Cinderella Story of 2022–23
- Wins over Futuro Kings, AS Vita, and Pyramids
- Reached semi-finals, falling to Young Africans of Tanzania
- Top Scorer: Ranga Chivaviro (6 goals)
- Financial strain: Club spent R18 million on the campaign
Gallants were the last South African team left standing in Africa, outshining even the country’s giants.
🟨 SECTION 8: Key Players and Staff
The Men Who Made It Happen
- Top Scorer: Ranga Chivaviro (11 league goals, 6 in CAF)
- Nedbank Cup Hero: Sede Junior Dion
- Midfield Maestro: Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo
- Coach: Dylan Kerr (2022–23, 2024–present)
- Owner: Abram Sello
Kerr’s charisma and fighting spirit lifted the team mid-season, even if off-field troubles proved too heavy in the end.
🟨 SECTION 9: Off-Field Dramas
From Libya to Legal Threats
- Libya Debacle: Two Gallants officials were detained in Libya over unpaid hotel bills
- Bonus Boycotts: Players refused to train before their crucial semi-final
- Work Permit Issues: Kerr coached without a permit for months
- Financial Woes: Club operations strained due to African travel costs and cash flow gaps
Gallants quickly became known for their wild news cycles as much as their performances.
🟨 SECTION 10: 2023–24 Relegation and Return
Dropped Down, Then Bought Back Up
- Relegated: Finished bottom of the PSL in 2023
- NFD Finish: Mid-table, 11th place
- Re-purchased PSL status from Moroka Swallows in 2024
- Kerr Rehired: Back as head coach for 2024–25
Marumo Gallants will return to the top flight for 2024–25 after buying their way back — again proving that this club knows how to write headlines.
🟨 SECTION 11: Legacy in Progress
A Club Still Finding Its Place
- Fearless Newcomer: Took on giants with no fear
- Continental Credibility: Outshined major SA teams in CAF
- Drama Central: A fixture in news headlines for all reasons
- Owner’s Ambition: Abram Sello remains relentless in vision
Whether you love them or question their methods, Marumo Gallants are never boring — and their saga in SA football is far from over.
