Mathiane: ‘Sundowns punished Marumo Gallants for dribbling’

Marumo Gallants FC interim coach Trevor Mathiane has identified a tactical aspect that culminated in his team’s 3-1 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa’s league match on Tuesday.

During the game, Keanu Cupido’s goal and Teboho Mokoena’s double sealed the victory for the Betway Premiership defending champions at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo scored Bahlabane Ba Ntwa’s consolation goal.

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The Yellow Nation showed up, and Bafana Ba Style got the job done! 3️⃣ points secured, together. #Sundowns #BetwayPrem #AreyengMasandawana pic.twitter.com/AQC2NaRXc0

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) March 17, 2026

In a post-match interview with SuperSport Television, Mathiane faulted his Gallants for playing into the hands of Sundowns by dribbling with the ball.

Tactical aspect Gallants players ignored

The former Gallants defender said the instructions to his players were for them to play simple and pragmatic one-touch football, but they digressed from that.

“We got punished because of our mistakes,” the coach said. “We were supposed to play one-twos into space, but we wanted to dribble. Going forward, we need to train the boys: ‘don’t make mistakes.’ In football, if you make mistakes, they will punish you.”

Another big night. Another 3️⃣ points in the bag. Bafana Ba Style rise to the occasion and get it done! 💪💛

Mamelodi Sundowns (31’ Cupido, 62’, 90+3′ Mokoena) 3️⃣➖1️⃣ Marumo Gallants (40’ Ndlondlo (P))#Sundowns #BetwayPrem #AreyengMasandawana pic.twitter.com/wxnXf1rB7H

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) March 17, 2026

The Bahlabane Ba Ntwa trainer further attributed the defeat that leaves them in the relegation zone to a lack of the cutting edge in the final third, a strength Miguel Cardoso’s men used efficiently on the other end of the pitch.

Mathiane bemoans Gallants sloppy finishing

“It is just that we were unlucky. We created a lot of chances. We were supposed to convert them. When you play against Sundowns, when you get a chance, you must make use of it,” Mathiane added.

“I have been screaming, telling them: ‘gents, one chance you create, make use of it because they will get one chance and punish you’. You are not playing against small boys. They are experienced players. They have been there.”

Following the victory, Sundowns moved two points clear at the summit of the log table ahead of second-placed Orlando Pirates who dropped points in a one-all draw with Siwelele FC over the weekend.

Gallants occupy third form the bottom slot of the log table, at par on 18 points 20 games with Orbit College FC who have played one game more. Magesi FC still anchor the standings with 13 points from 19 matches.