Galaxy’s winless run continues

TS Galaxy’s winless run in the Betway Premiership has hit the 10-match mark after they were held 0-0 by Magesi FC at the Mbombela Stadium on Sunday.

The Rockets, who recently axed Adnan Beganovic as coach, at least broke a run of four successive defeats, but their wait for a first win in the Premiership since defeating Marumo Gallants in late January continues unabated. They are 12th on the log, five points clear of the relegation playoff zone.

As for Dikwena tsa Meetse, they missed out on recording back-to-back league wins for the first time this season, but moved out of the relegation playoff zone and into 14th, with their superior goal difference placing them above Gallants in 15th.

Galaxy started strongly and almost claimed the lead in the fifth minute, with defender Igor Salatiel Silva heading on target from a corner kick, but Magesi goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze made a sharp save.

Magesi gradually grew into the game and began creating chances around the midway point of the first half, with Sifiso Luthuli and Mcedi Vandala both denied by Galaxy goalkeeper Ira Tape – opportunities they really should have capitalised on.

The visitors also suffered two injury blows before halftime, as both Tshegofatso Nyama and Kgothatso Mariba succumbed to knocks and were replaced by John Mokone and Samuel Darpoh, respectively, while the hosts swapped out Victor Letsoalo for Siphamandla Ngwenya.

Goalless at the break, further changes followed at the start of the second half, with Nhlanhla Mgaga replacing Mpho Mvelase for Galaxy, while Magesi withdrew Tlou Masegela in favour of Thabang Sibanyoni.

The Rockets should have gone ahead in the 56th minute when an arrowed pass into the penalty area picked out Mlondi Mncwango, but the defender awkwardly stabbed a shot high and wide.

That proved to be the last clear chance at either end, with both teams running out of ideas and inspiration in attack, as the match fizzled out to a 0-0 draw.

The teams will be back in Premiership action in the first midweek of May, with Magesi at home to Orbit College, and Galaxy away to Marumo Gallants. The Rockets, however, will first play in the Nedbank Cup final against Durban City next Saturday.

TS Galaxy 0

Magesi FC 0

Galaxy: Tape, Kakora, Mncwango, Salatiel Silva, Letsoenyo, Mbunjana, Maduna, Mvelase (Mgaga 46’), Mahlambi, Zindoga (Motaung 76’), Letsoalo (Ngwenya 43’)

Magesi: Chipezeze, Seseane (Mosadi 82’), Mofokeng, L. Mokone, Nyama (J. Mokone 31’), Mariba (Darpoh 43’), Mtshali, Masegela (Sibanyoni 46’), Vandala, Mashigo, Luthuli (Chirambadare 82’)