TS Galaxy coach Sead Ramovic is hoping that the Rockets can kick-start their season with a win when they face Chippa United in the Carling Knockout Cup at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Sunday afternoon.
Kick-off is at 3pm (CAT, GMT+2)
CURRENT FORM
On the back of a promising 2023/24 season, TS Galaxy are yet to taste victory in all competitions during the current campaign.
The Rockets have failed to launch in each of their last four attempts across the board and recorded defeats against Stellenbosch, Richards Bay, SuperSport United and also Chippa United respectively.
As it stands, TS Galaxy sit in 15th position on the Betway Premiership log, while the Chilli Boys occupy fourth place after four matches played so far.
Chippa head into their next Cup assignment on the back of a 2-1 win against the Rockets at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in the Betway Premiership on 29 September.
WHAT WAS SAID
With the next game in mind, TS Galaxy mentor Sead Ramovic hopes that his side can relaunch positively with a victory in Mbombela on Sunday.
“I’m absolutely sure that we will bounce back because this team has the ability to avoid staying too long in this negativity we are in, and we don’t feel sorry for ourselves,” Ramovic said.
“We know that, together, we can come out, and we will because we have the quality and the winning mentality. So, we will start in the [Carling Knockout] Cup against Chippa United, and we will win the game.”
Experienced Chippa defender Justice Chabalala is of the thought that the Gqeberha outfit can win silverware this season after a strong start to the campaign.
"We have started well, and everyone is positive in the team,” Chabalala said.
“The start we have had makes us dream bigger, we want to win something this season, maybe one Cup and the Carling Knockout gives us that opportunity.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
TS Galaxy: Dženan Zajmović – Hailing from Bosnia, Zajmović’s aerial abilities troubled Chippa the last time the two teams met.
After opening his account for the Rockets against the Chilli Boys, the 29-year-old will no doubt look to the upcoming tie with confidence.
Chippa United: Bienvenu Eva Nga – The Cameroonian has been in fine form for Chippa this season and managed to score four goals in eight games played in all competitions.
Known for his strength on and off the ball, Eva Nga will be expected to produce the goods as the point of reference in attack this weekend.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Previous Cup meetings:
2019/20 Nedbank Cup, Last 32: Chippa United 3-0 TS Galaxy
2023/24 Nedbank Cup, Quarterfinal: TS Galaxy 0-2 Chippa United