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Galaxy hope coaching change will bring change in fortunes

football01 October 2021 14:40| © Backpage TXT
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Ethan Brooks © Gallo Images

Bottom-of-the-table TS Galaxy will be desperate for a first win in the 2021/22 DStv Premiership season when they host Sekhukhune United at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Saturday.


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Kick-off is at 3:30pm CAT (SA, GMT+2).

Galaxy extended their winless start to the season to five matches – and suffered a second successive loss – when they were beaten 4-2 away to league newcomers Royal AM on 26 September.

The Rockets have drawn both of their two home league matches so far this term, 0-0 against Kaizer Chiefs in August and 2-2 against Golden Arrows in September.

Defeat to Royal AM was swiftly followed by the departure of Owen da Gama and he has promptly been replaced by Sead Ramovic, who will officially take over the head coaching reins on receival of his work permit

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Galaxy assistant coach Shaun Bartlett will oversee proceedings from the touchline this weekend and the former Bafana Bafana forward has emphasised the club's need to tighten things up in defence.

“One thing that we need to change this season is to make sure that we don’t concede goals. To concede 10 goals in the first five games is a huge concern for us. That’s gonna be a priority for us as the technical team and as a club. It allows us to win games,” Bartlett said.

“So far, we’ve done well at home. All we need is that first win under our belt. The sooner the better," he added.

Sekhukhune have gone three matches without a win after they were held 1-1 at home by Golden Arrows on 25 September, with Yusuf Maart scoring their late equaliser from the penalty spot.

Babina Noko have claimed three points from two away matches this season, with their last result on the road a 1-0 win at Baroka FC in mid-September.

"We can't go into this game thinking that whatever is happening at the club (TS Galaxy) will automatically guarantee us points," warned Babina Noko left-back, Cheslyn Jampies.

"The players are putting in the hard work and we are working hard to reap the benefits of what we've been putting in," said Jampies.

"Saturday for me, personally speaking, is a must win for us, also to boost the morale of the team," he added.

In head-to-head stats, this will be the first competitive meeting between TS Galaxy and Sekhukhune United.

PLAYERS TO WATCH - TS Galaxy

Ethan Brooks: Galaxy will be banking on their teenage Bafana Bafana midfielder to produce the goods in the middle of the park as they aim to bounce back from a difficult start to the season. Brooks's rise to prominence has been remarkable and he has quickly established himself as one of the best young talents in South African football.

Mxolisi Macuphu: The towering centre-forward has scored two goals in four games this season and has built on a strong end to the 2020/21 campaign. Macuphu doesn't always get the plaudits he deserves, but is an important player for Galaxy. He not only has an eye for goal, but creates a lot of goal-scoring opportunities for those around him.

PLAYERS TO WATCH - Sekhukhune United

Yusuf Maart: The battle between Maart and Brooks is definitely one to look forward to this weekend. It could have a huge say on the outcome of the match. Maart has been outstanding for Babina Noko and played an integral part in their promotion to South Africa's top-flight. He will be eager to push on with another eye-catching performance.

Toaster Nsabata: The Zambian will be desperate to keep his first clean sheet in South Africa's top-flight He has been the preferred choice between the sticks in the past two matches and will be eager to keep the ball out of the back of his net against what promises to be a fired up Galaxy unit.

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