Sundowns face stern TS Galaxy test in Betway Premiership opener

Mamelodi Sundowns will begin their Betway Premiership title defence against a TS Galaxy side with a recent record of upsetting the reigning champions, according to former Sundowns striker Russel Molefe.

The two teams meet at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday, after the fixture was postponed from the weekend of 1-2 August. The match was delayed at the visitors’ request while Sundowns completed their pre-season preparations in Austria following the untimely demise of midfielder Jayden Adams.

TS Galaxy have proved a difficult opponent for the Tshwane club in recent meetings. The Rockets drew 2-2 away to Siwelele FC in their opening match of the season, and they also defeated Sundowns towards the end of last term to damage the champions’ hopes of retaining the league title.

Earlier in the year, TS Galaxy eliminated Sundowns from the Nedbank Cup with a 2-0 victory in February.

Molefe believes Sundowns are still developing under coach Miguel Cardoso and have yet to reach their strongest level, despite their quality and status as champions.

“Sundowns is playing well, but they are not yet at that level. Against Polokwane City in the MTN8, they were using [a couple of] players who didn’t play last season, so it will take time for them to gel,” details Russel Molefe, talking to KickOff.

He also warned that Sundowns’ own inconsistent performance in their most recent match means they cannot expect an easy contest at Mbombela Stadium.

“TS Galaxy are scared of us, but the way we performed on Saturday, it’s not going to be easy for us tonight. Some of our players are still finding themselves.

“We are not yet at the level where we can say we can take on anybody in the CAF Champions League.

“I think the coach, Miguel Cardoso, is trying a new combination. Let’s give him time; maybe the players will gel. So, tonight it’s going to be tough, to be honest. We are not yet at our best,” he says.

The comments come as Cardoso continues to assess his squad and search for the right combination. Molefe says the introduction of players who did not feature for Sundowns last season has contributed to a period of adjustment, with the team still trying to build cohesion.

The champions will nevertheless take confidence from their most recent league meeting with TS Galaxy. Sundowns won the first league match between the sides in the 2025/26 campaign, securing a 1-0 victory through a goal from Arthur Sales.

That result offers the Brazilians a positive recent reference point, but TS Galaxy’s previous wins in both the league and Nedbank Cup underline the challenge facing Sundowns in their opening Betway Premiership fixture.

Kick-off is at 19:30.