TS Galaxy turn to league fight after Carling Knockout Cup exit

Interim TS Galaxy coach Esau Mtsweni believes the club’s Carling Knockout Cup elimination could ultimately benefit their battle to improve their position in the Betway Premiership.

The Rockets were beaten 3-0 by Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night, bringing their cup campaign to an end and leaving the league as their immediate priority.

Galaxy have made a difficult start to their league season and currently occupy 14th place in the standings, with only one win from eight matches. Their poor run has increased the importance of collecting results quickly as they seek to move away from danger.

Mtsweni acknowledged that Galaxy had travelled to face Kaizer Chiefs hoping to reach the next round, but said the defeat could give the team greater opportunity to address their domestic problems.

“I think the most important thing for us now is the league. Maybe this exit was a blessing in disguise, to concentrate more on the league, because that’s what matters for us now. I don’t want to say this, but I think it was a blessing in disguise,” Mtsweni told the media after the match.

He said the team’s performance had changed his view of the result, despite their original intention of advancing in the competition.

“Obviously, we came here to win, but after seeing this performance, I think it was good for us to be eliminated, so that we can concentrate on the real deal. Everyone wants to play in the cup and finals and stuff, but you can’t play in the final when you’re not doing well in the league,” he added.

Galaxy must respond in the league

The cup defeat means TS Galaxy can now focus solely on their Betway Premiership campaign. Their position on the log standings makes a quick response essential, with the club needing to turn their attention to league football into improved results.

Mtsweni’s side will have to regroup after the loss to Kaizer Chiefs and find greater consistency in the competition that will define the remainder of their season.

Although the Carling Knockout Cup offered Galaxy the chance to progress towards the latter stages of a domestic competition, their current league position means that survival and a recovery in form are now the club’s central concerns.

The Rockets’ failure to build momentum after eight matches has left little room for further setbacks. Their immediate task is to convert the focus created by their cup exit into points and begin climbing the Betway Premiership table.