Siwelele FC bounced back to winning ways in the Betway Premiership when they defeated their Bloemfontein rivals, Marumo Gallants, 1-0 at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The narrow victory elevated them to the 12th spot from the bottom of the standings, having collected seven points from nine matches. Coach Lehlohonolo Seema and his charges willnext travel to Soweto, where they will face Orlando Pirates in the Carling Knockout Round of 16 clash on October 4.

Bahlabane Ba Ntwa, on the other hand, extended their winless run to seven matches, which sees them placed 11th in the standings with 10 points from nine games. Coach Alexandre Lafitte's side will also be in action in the Carling Knockout Round of 16 when they take on Mamelodi Sundowns in Tshwane on October 4.

Although Bahlabane Ba Ntwa started brightly with goalkeeper Ricardo Goss forced to make several saves to keep visitors at bay, it was the home side who broke the deadlock after pressing and winning back possession in Gallants' half.

Katlego Mokhuoane stole the ball from Lebohang Mabotja before setting up eventual Man of the Match Tebogo Potsane, who made no mistake as the diminutive attacker fired past keeper Washington Arubi at the near-post in the 39th minute and Siwelele were leading 1-0 at halftime.

A well-balanced second-half followed as both teams created chances and Chibuike Ohizu was sent through on goal in the 70th minute, but Arubi came off his line to pull off a good save to deny the Siwelele striker, who had only the keeper to beat.

The last real chance of the match fell for Daniel Msendami with seven minutes left on the clock. The Zimbabwe international was able to beat on-rushing Goss, but the ball went out for a goal-kick and Siwelele held on to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory

Siwelele (1) 1 (Potsane 39')

Gallants 0

SIWELELE: Goss, Moralo (Lakay 76'), Khonyane, Mfolozi (Mashiane 46'), Baliti, Potsane, Sanoka, Mokhuoane (Zwane 46'), Gamphani, Pule (Ayer 66'), Ohizu (Lepasa 76')

GALLANTS: Arubi, Chabatsane, Sikhosana, Motloung (Mashao 81'), Mhlongo, Msendami, Nhlapho, Ndlondlo (Clifford 65'), Sithole (Ncube 81'), Mabuza, Mabotja (Mphambaniso 46')