Top-eight ambitions on the line as TS Galaxy face Marumo Gallants in crucial Premiership clash

TS Galaxy will host Marumo Gallants in what is shaping up as a must-win Betway Premiership encounter for both sides, when they meet at the Mbombela Stadium on Wednesday evening (7:30pm kick-off).

Gallants head into the clash placed 12th on the table and, despite a relatively encouraging start to the campaign, find themselves six points adrift of the Rockets, who currently occupy the final spot in the Top 8 — a gap that adds further significance to the fixture.

The visitors face a daunting task against a Galaxy side that has made Mbombela a difficult venue to visit. The Rockets have lost just once at home this season — an opening day 2-0 loss against Durban City — and have since found consistency through a string of solid results, strengthening their credentials as genuine top-eight contenders.

However, Gallants will draw confidence from their recent head-to-head record against the Rockets. They are unbeaten in their last six meetings, recording three wins and three draws, and will be eager to convert that form into their first victory in five matches after letting valuable points slip in recent outings.

Away form remains a concern for Siwelele sa Marumo. All five of their defeats this season have come on the road, while a lack of clinical finishing has further hampered their progress, with missed chances proving costly in key moments.

Midfielder Edgar Manaka believes the international break has come at a good time for the Bloemfontein-based side, who continue to settle under head coach Alexandre Lafitte. The experienced campaigner is encouraged by the progress made and is optimistic about what lies ahead.

“Preparations have been going well, the boys have been working hard and we are looking forward to this game,” Manaka said. 

“We have been doing well, we have spent six months with coach Lafitte and we now understand the methods of play and I believe we are going to make something interesting with him.”

Gallants have also had to adapt to further squad disruption following the departures of key players Daniel Msendami and Mpho Chabatsane, who have both moved to title-chasing Orlando Pirates. Their exits follow that of Masindi Nemtajela earlier in the season, who also joined the Soweto giants alongside former Gallants coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.

Despite the setbacks, Manaka insists the club must remain focused on the future rather than dwelling on losses.

“It is the nature of football. Players come and go — it has always been the culture of Marumo,” he said. “Players get sold and we just have to move forward as a club.

"We have quality players in the squad and I do not think the damage is that big. We just need to focus on what we have and continue working.”