Galaxy rely on their band of NFD outcasts
Coach Malesela gives side edge
While fellow National First Division (NFD) newcomers Maccabi and TS Sporting boast seasoned campaigners, TS Galaxy lack experience in their squad.
Galaxy are a relatively new club in the NFD after buying the status of FC Cape Town before the start of the season.
Maccabi boast the likes of forwards Collins Mbesuma and Lebohang Mokoena.
Sporting have former Baroka goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke and ex-Free State Stars defender Katlego Mashego on their books.
The Galaxy squad is largely made up of NFD outcasts who failed to really make their mark at other clubs, like former Jomo Cosmos attacking midfielder Khomotso Malepane and striker Julius Likontsane from relegated Super Eagles.
The Rockets, as Galaxy are affectionately known, also recruited players from the ABC Motsepe League, the third tier of SA football. The Mpumalanga-based side discovered left-winger Thembinkosi Mbamba, at African All Stars. Nevertheless, one thing that Galaxy can count on for success is having a capable coach in Dan Malesela.
The former Chippa United tactician is no stranger to the NFD and is known for moulding raw talent into decent players.
“I am not too concerned about experience. You only get experience by playing. Let these boys play, they will also be up there in terms of experience,” Malesela told Sowetan.
Galaxy host sixth-placed University of Pretoria at Kameelrivier on Sunday.
“Things are gradually shaping up. It’s not an overnight thing. Players are starting to understand what we want them to do. I do not want to quickly enforce things they cannot do,” noted Malesela.
Meanwhile, the game between Mbombela and Royal Eagles, which was scheduled for tomorrow, has been postponed after the death of former Eagles coach Roger Sikhakhane, who will be buried tomorrow.
NFD fixtures (all at 3.30pm) Tomorrow Stellenbosch v Cosmos, Ida Valley Sports Ground; Sporting v Richards Bay, Kabokweni Stadium; Maccabi v Uthongathi, Dobsonville; Spurs v Ajax, Puma Rugby Stadium; Kings v Umoya, Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium. Sunday Galaxy v AmaTuks, Kameelrivier Stadium; Ubuntu v Tshakhuma, Boland Stadium.