How Marumo Gallants plan to deal with hostility that awaits in Tanzania

Marumo Gallants have revealed how they plan to overcome the hostility that comes with playing Tanzania Giants Yanga SC.

The DStv Premiership side, Gallants landed in Tanzania in the early hours of Tuesday, 9 May 2023 ahead of their much-anticipated CAF Confederation Cup clash against Yanga SC.

As with all trips to the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, a hostile reception is guaranteed.

The arena is Yanga’s home, where they will host Gallants in the first leg of the Confed Cup semi-final on Wednesday, 10 May, at 15:00.

It seems mind games have already started in Tanzania. There have been talks of Gallants refusing to use the Bus offered by the hosts upon their arrival in the country.

It is alleged the SA club opted to use their own bus, which is smaller than what was offered.

However, despite the hostilities, Gallants remain positive, with the club’s coach Raymond Mdaka insisting they are ready for Yanga.

MARUMO GALLANTS READY FOR YANGA SC HOSTILITY

“All the previous games we played were mostly challenging,” said Gallants interim coach Raymond Mdaka.

“But playing against a hostile crowd, we know that players will be protected. The technical team is protected so we will let it go and focus on the game.

“Obviously, there is nothing we can do about the crowd. Focus on the game, and once you do good, they can even support you,” he added.

“From the little information that we have, football is about people and the support. So people can not just go out there and support a team that doesn’t have history.

“There is something in that team but we have played against a number of teams in the North African countries and we just want to go there and play.

“We just want to go there and play and if we can’t succeed we shall have done what we can do.”

HISTORY AWAITS FOR MARUMO GALLANTS AND YANGA SC

The match will mark Gallants’ first semi-final in any CAF Club competition since they bought their PSL status in 2020. It’s also a first semi-final for Yanga. The latter has made six appearances in the Confed Cup

Gallants are already guaranteed R 13.7 million and could pocket R 18.1 million if they advance to the final.

RELATED STORY: Marumo Gallants still in danger zone after defeat to Sundowns