TS Galaxy remain unbeaten with Adnan Beganovic at the helm after they dug deep to secure a narrow 1-0 victory over Chippa United at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday, February 8.
Damir Sovsic stepped off the bench to score his first goal for the Rockets in the 80th minute as they climbed into the top eight (6th) following an 11th game without defeat.
The Chilli Boys are unmoved in 11th place, but they saw Richards bay close within two points of them after beating Polokwane City 2-0 in a concurrent match.
The hosts had slightly more possession in the first half and created the better chances, with Stanley Nwabali required to make three saves from their 10 attempts at goal.
The woodwork also came to the Chilli Boys' rescue as they were fortunate to head into the break still all square at 0-0, having failed to hit the target with any of their seven shots.
Thabo September opted to make two changes at halftime, bringing on Siphelo Baloni and Giovanni Philander for Ayabulela Konqobe and Malebogo Modise respectively in a bid to assert more authority on proceedings.
It seemed to have the desired effect as the visitors began to pose a greater threat in the second half and they were also denied by the frame of the goal after ramping up the pressure.
Following a quiet opening 45 minutes, Ira Tape was by far the busier of the two goalkeepers in the second 45 minutes, producing seven saves as the shots starting raining down on his goal.
However, they were dealt a sucker punch with 10 minutes remaining when new Galaxy signing Sovsic pounced to open the scoring just four minutes after coming on as a substitute.
Chippa continued to push for an equaliser, but Galaxy held on to record their fifth win of the season, all of them coming under Beganovic.
TS Galaxy (0) 1 (Sovsic 80')
Chippa United (0) 0
TS Galaxy: I. Tape, M. Munyai, S. Kabini, K. Ndamane, Q. Sibande, M. Mvelase, N. Mgaga (D. Sovsic 76'), K. Sebelebele (L. Seema 88'), K. Dolly (S. Maduna 65'), P. Dithejane (S. Mahlangu 65'), D. Zajmovic (T. Sibanyoni 65').
Chippa United: S. Nwabali, S. Ndlovu, T. Makhele, T. Molaoa, M. Modise (G. Philander 46'), C. Martin (A. Teto 69'), S. Kammies (R. Maarman 82'), A. Konqobe (S. Baloni 46'), A. Ntsabo, S. Kwayiba, B. Eva Nga (S. Mazibuko 90+1').