The two struggling sides played to a 1-1 draw in their Betway Premiership clash at Dr Molemela Stadium on Saturday, with Gallants extending their winless run but keeping themselves within touching distance of safety.

Bahlabane Ba Ntwa remain trapped in the bottom half of the table, with the relegation battle still too close to call heading into the final rounds of the campaign. Mathiane says every point matters at this stage of the season.

"At the moment it is very difficult for every team at the bottom, we got a point today and we have to appreciate what we get, and we'll keep on fighting until we get the result."

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Gallants were forced into an early tactical reshuffle midway through the first half, with Edson Khumalo replacing Katekani Mhlongo before Kamohelo Sithole was introduced for Christopher Sithole.

Mathiane says the changes helped bring more balance to the side after a difficult start to the match.

"I think we started very slowly in the first half. Christopher Sithole wasn't getting on the ball so we had to make changes, and I'm happy that the changes worked and we were able to play and create chances in the second half."

The draw marked a fifth consecutive stalemate for Gallants and stretched their winless streak to eight league matches, leaving them 15th on the standings as the pressure continues to mount at the bottom of the Betway Premiership table.

Only a handful of points separate Gallants from safety, with Orbit College FC just above them and Magesi FC also still fighting to survive.

Mathiane admits the physical and mental demands of the campaign are beginning to show on his players.

Gallants now face two crucial fixtures that will determine whether they retain their top-flight status automatically, finish in the promotion-relegation playoffs, or fall to immediate relegation.

Mathiane’s side travel to face Polokwane City FC before ending their campaign at home against Stellenbosch FC.

Despite the difficult run-in, the former defender says his side will continue fighting for positive results until the final whistle of the season.