Sukazi’s side on NFD mission

From a distance, new National First Division side TS Galaxy looks an organised and well-managed club who could be game-changers in a division where lack of professionalism is almost the norm.

The club from Siyabuswa, Mpumalanga is owned by renowned football agent Tim Sukazi who bought Cape Town All Stars’ NFD status at the end of last season.

The Rockets – as the side are nicknamed – unveiled their players this week and coach Vusi Mkhatshwa said they will challenge for the NFD title which comes with automatic promotion to the Absa Premiership.

The former Mbombela United and Witbank Spurs coach said assembling the team from scratch was no easy task as at some point he had over 60 players at training all vying for a contract.

“It was not easy,” said Mkhatshwa. “There was a time when we had over 60 players from all over the country and some even from outside our borders. But with the people around me we managed to pick those we feel are the best. We now have a 32-man squad,” he added.

Among the players signed by the Rockets are Sizwe Mdlinzo who was at Premiership side Chippa United last season and former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Luthando Sixhaso.

Mkhatshwa had big success with Mbombela whom he took to promotion from the ABC Motsepe League to the NFD and twice came close to taking them to the Absa Premiership. Mbombela failed at the final hurdle in their first season in the NFD as they were stopped by Highlands Park in the promotion play-offs.

“We are confident that we will make it. We are looking to go as high as possible. Our aim is to get into the Absa Premiership,” he said. The Rockets will play their home games at Kameelsrivier Stadium in KwaNdebele.