TS Galaxy keeper Ira Tape signs new three-year deal as club overhaul gathers pace

Ivorian goalkeeper Ira Tape has committed his future to TS Galaxy by signing a new three-year contract, despite receiving interest from clubs outside South Africa.

The 26-year-old shot-stopper, who joined the Mpumalanga-based side in 2024 from Ethiopian outfit Hadiya Hossana FC, has been rewarded after firmly establishing himself as Galaxy’s first-choice goalkeeper.

His previous deal expired at the end of June, but insiders say the club moved swiftly to secure his services amid external offers.

“There were offers for Tape outside the country. He is happy to stay at TS Galaxy and continue with his stay in South Africa,” confirmed a source. “He has already signed a new deal with the club.”

The Rockets, who play in South Africa’s top flight, will begin their Betway Premiership campaign away to Siwelele FC in Bloemfontein on 2 August.

Key figure in Galaxy’s rebuild

Tape was among the group of players presented by club chairman Tim Sukazi during a church service unveiling held in Pretoria last Saturday, underlining his status as a central figure in the team’s plans for the new season.

TS Galaxy have already announced 14 new signings as they attempt a major squad refresh ahead of the 2026–27 campaign.

The decision to retain Tape, in spite of foreign interest, adds stability in a key position for a side undergoing significant change on and off the field.

The goalkeeper’s performances since arriving from Ethiopia have been widely praised, with his consistency and shot-stopping helping him to nail down the number one jersey in a relatively short period.

New goalkeeping coach as technical team reshaped

Galaxy’s restructuring is not limited to playing personnel. The club has appointed new goalkeeper coach Sinky Shongwe to replace Greig Etafia, who has left to join Tanzanian giants Young Africans as part of Manqoba Mngqithi’s technical team.

The move signals an evolution in TS Galaxy’s backroom setup, as they seek to blend continuity with fresh ideas.

Shongwe will now work closely with Tape and the club’s other goalkeepers as Galaxy prepare for a demanding league season.

Sukazi credits faith for recruitment success

Speaking to Mpumalanga TV during the Mpumalanga Premier’s Cup on Sunday, chairman Sukazi downplayed his own role in the club’s ambitious recruitment drive, instead attributing his eye for talent to divine guidance.

Sukazi stressed that early impressions of the new-look squad would only be meaningful once the league season is under way.

Sukazi said assembling a team is one thing, but for it to perform to the highest level of the game it will be seen after eight matches. “That is where the truth comes out,” Sukazi said.

“Right now we are quite satisfied and the youngsters seems to be settling very well, if you don’t know the team you wouldn’t be able to tell who is new who is old. God’s eye is the one that has been guiding me in identifying players. It is not because of ‘Tim Sukazi’ but because of God.”

With a settled first-choice goalkeeper in Tape, a raft of new signings and changes to the technical staff, TS Galaxy will aim to translate their off-season overhaul into improved performances when the Betway Premiership gets under way in August.