Soccer
Marumo Gallants vs Polokwane City Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Date: Sunday, February 23, 2025 Kickoff Time: 14:30 UK Time Venue: Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium, Bloemfontein Marumo Gallants and Polokwane City are set to face off in a crucial Betway Premiership clash at Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium, on 23 February 2025. Bahlabane Ba Ntwa and Rise and Shine are separated by an entire table, and both teams will be desperate for a victory. Expect a close encounter after Polokwane City narrowly found the victory last time out. As fans gear up for this exciting clash, Betway Premiership betting fans can dive into our analysis and explore leading soccer betting websites for the best markets and insights.
A general view of the Stadium during the Absa Premiership//Getty Images
Pre-Game Outlook: Opposite ends of the Betway Prem vie for three points
Marumo Gallants and Polokwane City go head-to-head in a big Betway Premiership clash this Saturday at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium. Gallants sit one place above the relegation zone while Polokwane City try to extend their lead over fourth-placed Kaizer Chiefs to secure continental football. Both sides will be fired up to grab crucial points!
With Amakhosi right on their heels, PK City can’t afford to drop points. They’re pushing to stay in the top three race, while Gallants have an uphill battle. With such fine margins, this one’s set up to be a tense 90 minutes.
Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability
Marumo Gallants: 15/4 (4.75) – 21.1%
Draw: 23/10 (3.30) – 30.3%
Polokwane City: 7/10 (1.70) – 58.8%
*Odds courtesy of Betway, subject to change.
Head-to-Head Record
Last Five Meetings (Betway Premiership):
15/12/2024: Polokwane City 1-0 Marumo Gallants
19/10/2024: Polokwane City 2-3 Marumo Gallants
30/01/2019: Polokwane City 1-2 Marumo Gallants
25/05/2014: Polokwane City 2-0 Marumo Gallants
14/05/2014: Marumo Gallants 0-0 Polokwane City
Marumo Gallants: Current Form – WLLWD
Marumo Gallants have been struggling for league form, but in the cup, they have excelled, particularly in defence, securing back-to-back 1-0 victories over Pretoria Callies and AmaZulu. They have, however, found life in the league where they are currently 14th, four points above relegation after one win in their last five.
When you consider their home record, Dan Malesela’s side have been solid, going undefeated in their last five games in the league and keeping things relatively tight at the back, conceding twice in that run.
Gallants have made three new signings this January window. Of the three, only Zimbabwean striker Junior Zindoga has featured for the side. The 26-year-old secured their 1-0 cup victory over AmaZulu preceded by three confident looking performances.
Key Players to Watch
- Junior Zindoga: He has delivered confident performances since joining in January, and his efforts have been rewarded with a goal. Expect much more from the forward.
- Edgar Manaka: Although age is not on his side, at 35 years old, the defensive midfielder brings immense amounts of experience to the side, keeping the midfield organized and protecting his backline.
- Gabadinho Mhango: A tumultuous career, but one thing is for certain, he knows how to find the net, currently leading the club standings on three goals.
Marumo Gallants Team News
Edson Khumalo returns from suspension, while new signing Junior Dion, after making his debut against Richards Bay at the beginning of February, has since been out with an undisclosed injury.
Polokwane City: Current Form – LLDWW
Polokwane City head into this encounter on the back of two demoralizing defeats. A cup exit at the hands of Stellenbosch (2-0) and a loss to relegation-threatened Richards Bay (2-0). Prior to this, PK City had amassed a run of nine games undefeated, with seven clean sheets. This is the first time they have succumbed to back-to-back defeats this season.
Rise and Shine head coach Phuti Mohafe has solidified the defence of his side, but they lack an eye for goal or creative threat, scoring the least number of goals in the top 11 sides. This seems to be working for them, as they sit third on the log.
Key Players to Watch
- Bulelani Nika: The centre-back is a stalwart for the Polokwane City defence, but also becomes an ariel threat on set pieces, netting two goals for the season.
- Cole Alexander: Cole Alexander may not be finding the back of the net from midfield at the moment, but his two assists show he is one of the few creative outlets for the side.
- Oswin Appollis: The 23-year-old winger is tied for the most goal involvements in the team, also starting 93% of the team’s fixtures.
Polokwane City Team News
Polokwane City have a fairly big squad and has managed rotations well; just 26-year-old right-back Thabang Matuludi suffered a knee injury at the end of January and is still recovering.
Predicted Line-Up
Marumo Gallants, 4-2-2: W. Arubi; P. E. Khumalo, M. S. Sikhosana, M. Mathiane, M. Chabatsane; E. Manaka, S. C. Sithole; D. Msendami, M. C. Nemtajela, K. Mahlatsi; G. Mhango.
Polokwane City, 4-2-3-1: B. Bwire; S. C. Makhubela, B. Nikani, L. P. Nkaki, A. Gwangqa; Kambala, C. Alexander; M. S. Ramabu, T. R. Letshedi, O. Appollis; R. Daniels.
Suggested Bets
Draw: Polokwane City are coming off the back of two defeats and struggled against a relegation threatened team last time out, but their opponents have not shown enough fire power to get the job done. (23/10 with Betway)
Under 2.5 goals: Both these teams lack goals and a 1-1 or 1-0 scoreline either way is highly likely. (7/10 with Hollywoodbets)
Value Bets
Polokwane City to Win Either Half: While we predict the draw, Polokwane City is the most likely to edge a narrow one-goal victory. A narrow win on either side of the half is likely.
Under 1.5 Goals: Both teams prioritize defensive structure over attacking fluidity, and while we suggest the under 2.5 market, the under 1.5 option offers much more value and still holds some weight.
Prediction: Draw
Marumo Gallants and Polokwane City find themselves at opposite ends of the table. A combined 27 goals in 33 games leaves a lot to be desired by both teams. The stark contrast in results for both sides is baffling, as both teams have adopted a defence-heavy approach, yet Polokwane City sits third and Marumo Gallants 17th on the log. Neither side has showcased enough firepower to take full control, expect a close contest. A low-scoring stalemate, possibly 1-1 or even a goalless draw.
Joshua Gaillard is a passionate freelance editor and lifelong Arsenal fan who takes pride in delivering fact-driven, stat-supported content. Combining detailed analysis with engaging storytelling, Joshua ensures his work is always informative and impactful. His commitment to accuracy helps readers gain a deeper understanding of every topic he tackles. His articles have featured on some respected websites in South Africa.
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