Mamelodi Sundowns and TS Galaxy are set to clash in a mouthwatering DStv Diski Challenge encounter at Kanyamazane Stadium in Nelspruit on Saturday afternoon.
Masandawana comes from the back of a battling 2-1 victory at home against the Orlando Pirates Reserves, moving to second place on the log. Following the victory at home, they are now trailing behind log-leaders, Kaizer Chiefs with one point. Reflecting on that important triumph in their backyard to kick off the new year, coach David Notoane says he is proud of his charges for opening the 2025 campaign with a win and is looking to improve for them to get better results.
“Last week gave us a very important win, especially being the first game of the second half of the season. It’s good that we played a very tough opponent in Orlando Pirates and we were able to deal with the problems they posed and impose our game onto them. To start the new year on a positive note was important for the mental consistency of the team. We are very excited because games like these give the team more belief and confidence,” he said.
“There is, however, room for improvement, especially in the defence. We are letting in soft goals from set plays, so we have to improve in that regard. We have spoken about it as a group that we are a team that concedes a goal in every game and that is not a very good step in the right direction if we want to win the championship and develop as individuals and as a team,” he continued.
On the other hand, the Rockets dropped points at the weekend, following a 4-1 defeat over the log leaders. Heading to this game they will be looking to get back into the winning column. Furthermore, having not tasted a defeat at home, they will hope to defeat the Brazilians to keep their winning streak at home this season clean. The Diski coach hopes for a victory but his side won’t be resting on their laurels as he is aware TS Galaxy won’t be an easy opponent to tackle.
“It’s a very important statistic to go for but they are a very difficult opponent. They are a very robust physical and hardworking team. We will approach the game with the necessary humility and give them the respect they deserve.”
“They are a team that works collectively. In the front they press with four or five players and their striker is very aggressive on the press. That has been primarily the focus of our preparation. They are also very dangerous in transition with their speedy wingers. The major thing with TS Galaxy is not having lost at home this season is a sign that they work very well as a group. A team that is like that at home is bound to give the opposition problems. We have prepared for them and we are hoping we come back with a positive result,” he concluded.
The Mamelodi Sundowns Diski Team will battle the TS Galaxy Reserves on Saturday afternoon at the Kanyamanzane Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 12H00.