Sekhukhune, Galaxy in battle to boost top-three hopes

Sekhukhune United will battle it out with TS Galaxy in Friday's DStv Premiership match at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

Kick-off is at 7:30 pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

Babina Noko saw their five-match unbeaten run across all competitions come to an end when they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns away on 23 April.

Therefore, Sekhukhune are placed fourth in the DStv Premiership standings - seven points behind three-placed Orlando Pirates, but the former have a game in hand.

Meanwhile, Galaxy suffered a 3-0 loss to Sundowns away on 29 April and it was their second defeat in their last three matches across all competitions.

As a result, the Rockets are occupying the sixth spot in the DStv Premiership standings - nine points behind Pirates, but Galaxy have two games in hand.

TEAM NEWS

Sekhukhune have no suspension concerns coming into this encounter against Galaxy who will be without the suspended Orebotse Mongae.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Sekhukhune United coach Lehlohonolo Seema

"I think I don't even have to go overview the 90 minutes, it's too far, 7 minutes, we lost the match and we had a terrible start and we made mistakes that I'm sure even the opponents couldn't believe that their luck is that good," Seema said.

"That's how it went and if you start like that against a team like Mamelodi Sundowns, they are champs, they've been sitting on top of the log since they won and [if] you don't bring your A game from the first minute then you're bound to have a mountain to climb."

TS Galaxy head coach Sead Ramovic

''You have to understand we have a smaller squad, we played now three days ago and it's not easy when you play with the same squad,'' Ramovic said.

''It's easy for them to get fresh legs in, but that should not be an excuse. We prepared ourselves [for the Sundowns game], but we were not close enough. We have to analyse and we have to improve at this stage, and the game will come."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Chibuike Ohizu, Sekhukhune United: The Nigerian marksman scored against Sundowns and it was his second goal in his last three matches. Ohizu could be the player to propel Babina Noko to a victory over the Rockets.

Samir Nurkovic, TS Galaxy: The lethal striker has scored four goals in his last eight matches including one in a recent victory over Moroka Swallows and he has what it takes to inspire the Rockets to a win over Babina Noko.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

ALL LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2021/22 Galaxy 0-1 Sekhukhune Mahlangu

2021/22 Sekhukhune 0-1 Galaxy Mongae

2022/23 Galaxy 1-1 Sekhukhune Mlambo; Letsoalo (pen)

2022/23 Sekhukhune 1-1 Galaxy Ohizu (pen); Msimango (pen)

2023/24 Galaxy 2-0 Sekhukhune Sebelebele, Nurkovic

LEAGUE RECORD (since 2021/22)

Home

P W D L GF GA

Sekhukhune 2 0 1 1 1 2

Galaxy 3 1 1 1 3 2

Away

P W D L GF GA

Sekhukhune 3 1 1 1 2 3

Galaxy 2 1 1 0 2 1

Total

P W D L GF GA

Sekhukhune 5 1 2 2 3 5

Galaxy 5 2 2 1 5 3