TS Galaxy coach Sead Ramovic will use the MTN8 quarter-final clash with Stellenbosch to test his side’s Betway Premiership readiness.
Ramovic looked set to be on his way out of South Africa to join Moroccan side Raja Casablanca but talks ultimately broke and he returned to the Rockets ahead of the new season.
Galaxy fans will surely welcome another campaign under the guidance of the German mentor, who led the Betway Premiership club to a sixth-place finish last term.
In preparations for the new season, Galaxy have released Bernard Parker, who will take over the reins as head coach of the DStv Diski Challenge squad next season, Vuyo Mere, Lindokuhle Mbatha, Lehlohonolo Mojela, Higor Vidal and Vasilije Kolak.
They, meanwhile, lost Bradley Mojela to Stellenbosch, Pogiso Sanoka to SuperSport United and Fiecre Ntwari to Kaizer Chiefs.
But have also signed Victor Letsoalo, Emmanuel Sieh, Jegbay Morris, Thamsanqa Masiya, Qobolwakhe Sibande, Ntiyiso Bombi, Khulumani Ndamane and Siphesihle Maduna.
Galaxy take on Stellies in the quarter-finals of the MTN8 at the Danie Craven Stadium on Sunday.
Ramovic said: “Stellenbosch are a very tough team with an amazing technical team, so that tells you that it will be a very tough match for us.
“This game will help us to see exactly where we are in terms of readiness going forward.
“We finished sixth but we’ve sold some of our best players, so what expectations? We didn’t invest anything again but we sold players.
“If we can finish in the top eight again, that’d be magical. We will try our best.”