TS Galaxy and Kaizer Chiefs set for cup clash after social media taunt

Kaizer Chiefs will host TS Galaxy at FNB Stadium this evening in a Carling Knockout Cup last-16 tie overshadowed by an ongoing social media exchange between the two clubs.

The rivalry intensified after the cup draw, when TS Galaxy published an image aimed at their opponents. The graphic showed a donkey carrying the Kaizer Chiefs crest as it looked into a mirror, with the reflection appearing as a powerful lion.

It was accompanied by the isiZulu caption “Sonke sinamaphupho”, meaning “We all have dreams”.

The post appeared to question Kaizer Chiefs’ traditional lion-hearted identity, implying that the Soweto club’s imposing reputation might not match its performances on the pitch.

The message reached Chiefs’ management in Naturena and led to a direct response from the club’s Marketing Director Jessica Motaung, according to TS Galaxy chairman Tim Sukazi.

Speaking on Metro FM’s Sports Night Amplified, Sukazi said he had initially missed the reaction because of commitments at his law practice. After checking his phone, he found a WhatsApp message from Motaung containing no words but a screenshot of the graphic and three question marks.

Sukazi defends Galaxy post

Sukazi said he had no intention of deleting the image, despite the apparent frustration it caused in the Amakhosi camp.

He drew a distinction between the post aimed at Kaizer Chiefs and another directed at Orlando Pirates, which he said had gone too far and was removed.

“It is banter; they say dreams come true. This one has not been removed because it remains within the boundary,” Sukazi said.

“It depends on the beholder. Some may have preferred to see the logo on the lion’s head.”

TS Galaxy have proved troublesome opponents for Kaizer Chiefs in recent cup meetings. The Rockets defeated the men in Gold and Black 1-0 in both their 2019 and 2022 Nedbank Cup encounters.

The latest meeting comes after Fernando da Cruz’s side were eliminated from the CAF Confederation Cup. They will now look to respond positively when they face Chiefs at FNB Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00.

The Carling Knockout Cup tie will provide Kaizer Chiefs with the opportunity to answer Galaxy’s on-field challenge, while the visitors will hope to reinforce the message behind their controversial graphic by securing another victory over their opponents.