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The Citizen
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
TS Galaxy lose Betway Premiership opener at Mbombela Stadium
TS Galaxy's Betway Premiership campaign got off to a poor start, with a 2-0 defeat to Durban City at Mbombela Stadium on Sunday, August 10. Their starting line-up was unchanged from their previous game against Sekhukhune United, as they welcomed the newly promoted Durban City. The Rockets have only won one of their opening matches in this league since their debut in the 2020/21 season. They have drawn three times and lost twice. This was the second league opener TS Galaxy have lost. The Rockets usually score one goal in their opening games, but they have never scored more than two. The team showed resilience, but Durban City's defence held firm. In the fourth minute, goalkeeper Darren Keet denied TS Galaxy's Puso Dithenjane, saving his cross from the left just outside the box. ALSO READ: Mpumalanga School of Excellence crowned Safa U20 Mbombela Stream champions In response, Durban City took a counter attack after Keet passed the ball to Joslin Kamatuka of Durban City, who lost it before he could enter the Rockets' 18-area. In the seventh minute, TS Galaxy built an attack from the back, but Dithenjane's ball was blocked by one of City's defenders. The Rockets' Nhlanhla Mgaga got an opportunity in the box, but because of the position of the ball he could not capitalise on it. City's defenders cleared the ball, which fell to TS Galaxy's Mpho Mvelase, who was tightly marked. In the 18th minute, Siphesihle Maduna of TS Galaxy's ball was saved by Keet when the Rockets attacked once more. Trevor Mokwena of Durban City missed his chance at the goal when his free header went over the post after a cross in the 27th minute. He was alone in the box. The Rockets' striker, Victor Letsoalo, hit the outside net in the 40th minute, leaving the fans wondering how he missed such a promising strike, and a chance to take the lead. In the 42nd minute, the Rockets got a set piece in City's half but Macbeth Mahlangu of TS Galaxy failed to capitalise. City's defence cleared the ball out of play, resulting in a corner kick. The game went to half-time with the scoreboard standing at 0-0. Durban City opened the second half with a goal from Samkelo Maseko in the 46th minute, after the ball played from the centre of the field. TS Galaxy dominated possession in the second half. In the 57th minute, Durban City created another opportunity to extend their lead but Kamatuka's kick was saved by Ira Tapé. Haashim Domingo's cross from the corner spot gave Mfanafuthi Mkhize of Durban City a chance to extend City's lead. ALSO READ: TS Galaxy's winning streak ends as Marumo Gallants win at Mbombela Stadium TS Galaxy continued looking for a comeback goal, but City's defence fiercely protected their lead. The match ended 2-0. TS Galaxy are at the bottom of the league after one match, while Durban City claimed the second spot. TS Galaxy will face Sekhukhune United on Wednesday, August 13, while Durban City will play Chippa United.
The Citizen
09-08-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Mpumalanga School of Excellence crowned Safa U20 Mbombela Stream champions
The Mpumalanga (MP) School of Excellence took on Game United, concluding the Safa Ehlanzeni U20 league at the Valencia Sports Complex on Sunday, August 3. MP School of Excellence earned the last three points of the season, defeating Game United 3-2. In the opening minutes, United showed determination to overcome their opponents, but Excellence's solid defence denied United optimistic chances to take the lead in the first five minutes. Excellence scored the first goal in the fifth minute through Thapelo Khoza, assisted by Innocent Machel, taking the lead. In the 24th minute, Excellence's build-up at the back faltered, allowing Tshepo Mogale of United to score. United's hopes were reignited by Mogale's goal, putting them on the front foot and applying pressure on Excellence for 10 minutes between the 27th and 37th minutes. ALSO READ: Mandela Day Boxing Championship brings thrilling action to KaNyamazane United's defender, Blessing Mahlalela, handled the ball in the box, leading the referee to award a penalty in the 39th minute. Sizwe Yende of Excellence took the penalty, but it was saved by United's goalkeeper, Simphiwe Maseko. United's hopes remained alive as they launched a counterattack through their left winger, Lawrence Ngwenya. However, under pressure, Ngwenya's shot went out of play, resulting in a goal kick for Excellence. Excellence capitalised on this opportunity as Khoza scored his brace, extending the team's lead to 2-1 at half-time. In the second half, United dominated. The players were motivated and scored an equaliser in the 54th minute through Mogale. In the 70th minute, Mogale missed a chance to put his team ahead when the ball went over the post. In response, Excellence introduced fresh legs to manage United's pressure. After claiming the ball from United's right wing, Rifumo Nxumalo of Excellence crossed into the box, creating the opportunity for Kabelo Khumalo to score in the 83rd minute. Khumalo's goal was the match-winner, securing Excellence the title of champions in the Mbombela Stream. The final score was 3-2. Game United remains at the bottom of the league. ALSO READ: TS Galaxy's winning streak ends as Marumo Gallants win at Mbombela Stadium The results of the league are as follows: • Black Medal 0-0 TS Matsulu Future Academy • Junior Spurs 0-2 Fortune Academy • Idlabantu 6-0 Mataffin Hotspurs • Fortune Academy 0-0 Mthimba Football Academy Sinani United's game against Black Medal was postponed due to a scheduling conflict involving Sinani United players. A new date for the match has yet to be announced.
The Citizen
24-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Safa Ehlanzeni U20 League concludes this weekend
The highly anticipated Safa Ehlanzeni U20 League is heating up, and following TS Galaxy Academy's defeats in their last two games, their hopes of winning the title have been dashed. They suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Mpumalanga (MP) School of Excellence at the Easthigh Sports Ground on Sunday, July 20. Currently the only two teams that stand a chance of winning the title are MP School of Excellence and Sinani United FC. MP School of Excellence are on top of the log with 45 points, with one match against Game United remaining. Sinani United FC are in the second spot with 41 points after 20 games. Two encounters remain for them, against Mthimba Football Academy and Black Medal FC. Game United are last on the log with five points after 20 games. ALSO READ: TS Galaxy Academy dominate Hotspurs in title chase at Halls Sports Ground Mthimba Football Academy, in eighth with 27 points after 20 games, have shown their commitment to competing in the league, this being their first time participating. Mthimba collected three points against MP School of Excellence and one against Sinani United earlier in the season. In all Black Medal FC's league matches, they have scored first, but have not been able to protect their lead, lacking consistency in their games. Idlabantu FC were leading the charge in the first round of the league, but they failed to maintain their form in the second. In most of their encounters, the club did not have their full squad on the pitch. They managed to score first in most of their encounters and drew with Sinani United. Idlabantu FC are currently in fourth with 38 points after 21 games. Junior Spurs are another team that picked up form in the second round of the season, but they have lost points in games that would see them compete for the league title, including the 2-0 defeat by MP School of Excellence at KaBokweni Stadium. Spurs are in seventh position with 28 points after 20 games. According to the Safa Ehlanzeni U20 League co-ordinator, George Kgoale, the Mbombela Stream league is expected to finish by the end of July. ALSO READ: Gedlembane female footballer dreams big Kgoale said that fixtures were delayed due to mid-year school exams that lasted more than two weeks, and the Safa Ehlanzeni D Licence Training that was held in May.
