PSL bottom dwellers Gallants flying high in Africa's Confed Cup: 'We'll take it as it comes'...
In a sport that is often dominated by the biggest and wealthiest teams, the African continent's Confederation Cup has produced some of the most remarkable underdog stories in recent years. One such story is that of PSL bottom dwellers, Gallants FC, who have defied the odds to make a surprise run in this year's competition.
Gallants FC, formerly known as Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM), had a torrid time in the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) last season, finishing second from bottom and narrowly avoiding relegation. However, they have turned their fortunes around in the Confederation Cup, Africa's second-tier club competition.
The team started their campaign with a 3-0 aggregate win over Seychelles' Cote d'Or in the preliminary round before defeating Senegal's ASC Jaraaf 4-3 on penalties in the first round. In the playoffs, they faced Burkina Faso's Salitas FC and secured a hard-fought 1-0 win in the first leg before holding on for a goalless draw in the return fixture to progress to the group stage.
In the group stage, Gallants FC were drawn in a tough group alongside three former champions of the competition: Raja Casablanca (Morocco), JS Kabylie (Algeria), and Coton Sport (Cameroon). However, they have defied the odds yet again, winning two of their first three matches to sit at the top of the group and on the verge of qualification for the quarterfinals.
Speaking to reporters after their 2-1 win over Raja Casablanca, Gallants FC coach Joel Masutha said that his team was taking each game as it comes and not getting ahead of themselves. "We're not thinking about the quarterfinals or the semifinals, we're just focused on the next game. We know that we're the underdogs in this competition, but we're playing with a lot of heart and determination."
Masutha, who took over as coach of Gallants FC earlier this season, has been instrumental in the team's success in the Confederation Cup. He is a former player and coach of Black Leopards, another South African club that has defied the odds in the competition before. In 2018, Black Leopards reached the playoffs of the Confederation Cup before being eliminated by another Moroccan club, RS Berkane.
Masutha has brought his experience and tactical nous to Gallants FC, who have shown a remarkable resilience and defensive solidity in the competition. They have conceded just three goals in their six matches so far, and their goalkeeper, Washington Arubi, has been in inspired form.
The team has also shown a willingness to attack when the opportunity arises, with the likes of Mogakolodi Ngele and Thabo Mnyamane providing a threat in front of goal. Ngele, in particular, has been a standout player for Gallants FC, scoring four goals in the competition so far.
Gallants FC's success in the Confederation Cup has not only been a boost for the team but also for South African football as a whole. The country's clubs have struggled in continental competitions in recent years, with no South African team reaching the quarterfinals of the Champions League or Confederation Cup since 2013.
However, Gallants FC's run has given hope to other PSL teams and shown that with hard work and determination, success is possible in African club football.
The team's success has also been a source of inspiration for their fans, who have been following the team's progress with pride. Gallants FC are based in the small town of Thohoyandou in the Limpopo