TS Galaxy snapped their two-match winless streak with a historic first-ever victory over Stellenbosch FC on Sunday, a result that comes at the perfect time as they prepare to face reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
A first-half goal from Seluleko Mahlambi, coupled with a Sanele Barns own goal, added more misery to Stellies’ already shaky Betway Premiership season. While the win gives Galaxy a boost, especially ahead of their crucial clash against Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday (7:30pm kickoff), they will carry much-needed confidence into that encounter.
The Rockets’ coach, Adnan Beganovic, will be particularly pleased that his team heads into their meeting with the defending champions on a positive note after suffering two consecutive league defeats prior to facing the Cape Winelands outfit.
This marked Galaxy’s first-ever victory against Stellenbosch, and Beganovic was pleased with his side’s efforts, particularly following their elimination from the Carling Knockout against Golden Arrows in their last outing.
“This is history for this club because since I came to South Africa, we have been struggling to beat Stellenbosch,” Beganovic told Supersport in a post-match interview.
“After we were knocked out of the Carling Knockout competition, I said that we needed to focus all our attention on the league and secure as many points as possible until December so that in the second half of the season we can be well positioned.”
Galaxy’s victory lifted them to sixth place on the log, and after an inconsistent start to the season, Beganovic praised the character and resilience his side showed in securing the result.
“We had the desire to win this game, and I want to give all the credit to the players. I am happy with our win, but most importantly, we collected three points.”
The Bosnian mentor immediately turned his attention to the upcoming challenge against Sundowns. Having suffered a crushing 4-1 defeat at the champions’ home in their previous visit, he hopes Sunday’s win can inspire his side on Wednesday.
The Rockets will also take confidence from their 1-0 victory over Sundowns last season, when the Brazilians were in a much stronger run of form in a campaign where they only lost three matches all season.
It will be a tough task for the Mbombela-based outfit, who might miss the key services of star defender Khulumani Ndamane, who picked up a knock in the win against Stellies. Beganovic hopes to have him back in the side but also praised the team’s attitude, which he believes will be vital for the remainder of the season.
“That is the attitude you need to show every game if you want to be at the top,” he said.
“We need to refresh our team because we are playing on Wednesday, and even though I do not have all the information currently, Khulumani got a knock on the ankle.
“We are going there to play a good game (against Sundowns) and be competitive, and we will see what the ninety minutes will bring for us.”
