TS Galaxy will resume their Betway Premiership campaign by welcoming Western Cape side Stellenbosch FC this evening at Mbombela Stadium. Soccer Betting News gives you all the details for the showdown.
TS Galaxy will look to return to winning ways after a shocking 2-1 defeat by first-division side Durban City which saw them getting knocked out of the Nedbank Cup.
Stellies on the other hand shocked Polokwane City to a 2-0 loss and booked a spot in the quarterfinals where they have been pitted against Kaizer Chiefs. However, their form in the league has dropped as they have been struggling to collect points and have significantly dropped to the 12th position on the log.
TS Galaxy vs Stellenbosch FC | Tuesday, 18 February | Mbombela Stadium | Kick-off 19:30
To Win Match
TS Galaxy FC 26/10
Draw 43/20
Stellenbosch 11/10
TS Galaxy
The Rockets last experienced a league loss on October 29 when Orlando Pirates dropped them 2-0. Since then they have been enjoying an incredible run collecting at least a point in all of the 12 games that they have played.
In their last league match, they shocked defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns with a 1-0 victory and moved to the fourth position on the log table.
Chairman Tim Sukazi heaped praises for the work that Adnan Beganovic has done since taking over from Sead Ramovic back in November last year.
“Had I not known what they [technical team] are capable of, I would not have given them a chance. I knew that you guys [media] didn’t know about their abilities,” said Sukazi to the Sowetan.
“And when we made the decisions there were many doubting Thomases but we stayed calm because we knew what we were doing. We knew what they were capable of and everyone now has seen why the coach has been allowed to be the head coach of our club,”
Not much was known about the Bosnian coach before his takeover, but he has proved the doubters wrong and he is on the right path towards topping the Rockets’ sixth-place finish last year.
Stellenbosch FC
The Western Cape side will aim to avoid a second successive league loss having gone down to Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 in their last Betway Premiership match after conceding an early goal that was scored by Makapi Lilepo in the fourth minute.
They quickly shook off that loss and returned to winning ways with a convincing 2-0 win against Polokwane City in the Nedbank Cup thanks to goals from Bulelani Nikani (own-goal) and Devin Titus.
The Cape Winelands team has one of the most solid defenses in the league having conceded 10 goals which is the second-lowest this season, only Sundowns is above them.
Players to watch
Bosnian striker Dzenan Zajmovic is becoming a top contender for the Golden Boot Award in his first season in the colours of Galaxy. He has netted nine goals and provided three assists in 18 matches across all competitions. He is expected to trouble the visitor’s defence.
The experience of veteran midfielder Mpho Mvelase will be crucial in breaking Stellies’ build-up play in the middle of the park together with Nhlanhla Mnganga.
Kamogelo Sebelebele’s impressive showings on the left wing earned him the Man of the Match Award against Sundowns having also scored the winning goal. He is expected to be problematic to whoever is going to start as a right-back between Kazie Godswill and Kyle Jurgens.
On Stellies’ side, Devin Titus has made 13-goal contributions, scoring 9 and giving four assists in all competitions. Several defenders have struggled with his pace and work rate.
Khomotjo Lekoloane is another forward who is enjoying a good debut season and finding ways to score crucial goals.
Fawaaz Basadien scored in the second minute during the last meeting between the two. He has been the pillar of their defence and has even earned a national team call-up due to consistently delivering good performances.
Mbombela Stadium
The 43 500-seater is one of the state-of-the-art stadiums that were built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, it has hosted some of the elite football events in the country including last year’s Nedbank Cup final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. Galaxy seems to be turning it into their fortress, taking advantage of the backing of their strong Mpumalanga fanbase.
Head-to-head stats
06/11/2024: Stellenbosch FC 1 – 1 TS Galaxy
04/08/2024: Stellenbosch FC 3-1 TS Galaxy
21/04/2024: TS Galaxy 1-0 Stellenbosch FC
Prediction: Draw at 43/20
Despite Galaxy’s good run of form, they have not been able to get a win against tonight’s opponents since gaining promotion to the top flight. They are in good standing to break the winless run, but it will not be easy as Steve Barker’s side is also desperate for points.
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