Sello Outlines Top-Eight Target for 2026/27 Betway Premiership
Marumo Gallants chairman Abram Sello has publicly set a definitive top-eight finish in the Betway Premiership and a domestic cup final appearance as the club’s primary objectives for the 2026/27 season.
Under newly appointed head coach Phuti Mohafe, Bahlabane Ba Ntwa aim to correct a difficult prior campaign when they kick off their league schedule away to Richards Bay at the Umhlathuze Sports Complex on 2 August 2026.
Bahlabane Ba Ntwa endured a grueling 2025/26 campaign, narrowly escaping relegation after an inconsistent run of form. Because they finished outside the top flight’s upper bracket, Gallants will miss out on the lucrative MTN8 tournament. Instead, the Polokwane-based outfit will channel their knockout energies purely into the Nedbank Cup and the Carling Knockout Cup.
Despite their domestic league struggles last year, Gallants showed brilliant cup pedigree. They engineered a memorable run to the Carling Knockout final, where soccer giants Orlando Pirates ultimately halted their dream run in a tight 2-1 thriller.
What are Marumo Gallants’ primary targets for the 2026/27 season?
Sello confirmed that head coach Mohafe has already aligned the changing room with management’s grander ambitions. The target balances a steady league climb with aggressive cup intent.
“When we start, we are all number 16,” Sello said.
“But now the coach has set a target and the club has set a target. The priority is to finish in the top eight and play in one of the two cup finals. We didn’t finish in the top eight this year, but we want to see ourselves in the final of one of the two cup competitions, just as we did last season.”
How is Phuti Mohafe restructuring the squad in pre-season?
Sello voiced absolute confidence in the squad’s current pre-season training camps, noting that the board is actively backing Mohafe in the transfer market to prevent another relegation scare.
“So far, our preparations are going very well, and we are doing what every other club is doing,” Sello added.
“We are strengthening the squad and making sure that we correct the mistakes we made previously. I always say that we must beat our target, so that’s exactly what we want to do this time.”
According to the latest PSL draft fixtures, Gallants face a stern opening test. They travel to KwaZulu-Natal to clash with Richards Bay on 2 August, looking to claim an immediate three points on the road.
