Rockets blow away Thwihli Thwahla

TS Galaxy got the better of Royal AM in the DStv Premiership for the first time after they ran out 3-0 victors at the Mbombela Stadium on Wednesday.

Sead Ramovic's side had failed to beat Thwihli Thwahla in their previous five league meetings, but three second-half goals got the job done in Mbombela as they climbed up to seventh in the standings, six points clear of the KZN outfit, who dropped to 14th position.

Three goals, three points.🚀@aQuelle @aQuelleViV#Siyadumuza #TheRockets #TSG pic.twitter.com/pyqJ7En5LW

— TS Galaxy FC (@TSGALAXYFC) April 3, 2024

Galaxy were looking to build on their 2-0 win over AmaZulu at the weekend which kept them within a point of the top eight, while Royal AM aimed to bounce back from a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Stellenbosch.

Ramovic named the same starting XI that saw off Usuthu and Thwihli Thwahla counterpart John Maduka made just one change from the Stellies game, bringing in Sibusiso Magaqa for Motebang Sera.

The two teams were evenly matched in the first half, although they both made early substitutions as Mfundo Thikazi came on for Sabelo Sithole in the 33rd minute and Lehlohonolo Mojela replaced Sphiwe Mahlangu for the hosts two minutes later.

The score remained goalless at the break, but the Rockets made a bright start to the second half and took the lead through Samir Nurkovic on 55 minutes following good work from Orebotse Mongae.

It was the Serbian striker's second goal in two games and his seventh of the season.

He didn't see out the contest though, after making way for Kamogelo Sebelebele on 70 minutes.

Galaxy didn't sit on their one-goal lead, however, as they pushed for a second and their efforts were rewarded six minutes from time when Mojela beat Hugo Nyame after being picked out by Samukelo Kabini.

There was still time for Sebelebele to get his name on the scoresheet in the second minute of stoppage time to seal a fifth consecutive home victory for the Carling Knockout finalists.

TS Galaxy (0) 3 (Nurkovic 55', Mojela 84', Sebelebele 90+2')

Royal AM 0

TS Galaxy: F. Ntwari, M. Munyai, M. Mahlangu, P. Sanoka, S. Kabini, M. Mvelase (M. Mbunjana 46'), O. Mongae (L. Seema 76'), T. Khiba, P. Dithejane (N. Radebe 75'), S. Mahlangu (Mojela 35'), S. Nurkovic (K. Sebelebele 70').

Royal AM: H. Nyame, K. Shezi (B. Dlamini 86'), A. Jiyane, W. Mabuza, T. Matlaba, S. Msomi (M. Sera 74'), K. Mahlasela, A. Maxwele, S. Magaqa, S. Sithole (M. Thikazi 33'), S. George (R. Gamildien 86').