Marumo Gallants were crowned 2025 Cultural Urban Festival Africa (CUFA) Cup champions for the first time on Sunday, after edging city rivals and “little brother” Siwelele FC 4– 3 in a penalty shootout at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.
The match ended in a goalless stalemate after 90 minutes for the second year in a row, as both sides struggled to break each other down. But it was Bahlabane Ba Ntwa who held their nerve in the spot kicks to claim victory.
The win was a form of redemption for Gallants, who lost 4–3 to Kaizer Chiefs in last year’s inaugural two-team tournament, which has since replaced the annual Macufe Cup. It also served as revenge after they were beaten 1–0 by Siwelele at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in September, in the first-ever Bloemfontein derby in the Premier Soccer League.
It had been a big week for Gallants ahead of the derby, as they unveiled four new international signings. In the build-up to the friendly, the club introduced centre-back Agnikoi Eroine from Ivory Coast, midfielder Ibrahim Bance from Burkina Faso, forward Evanonye Kossi Adetu from Togo and Ghana, and striker Mofosse Karidioula Trésor, also from Ivory Coast.
Meanwhile, with the recent FIFA International Week wrapped up – which saw Bafana Bafana qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico – attention now shifts back to domestic football.
Gallants return to action this Sunday when they take on Chippa United at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium, with kick-off at 15:00. – MORGAN PIEK
