TS Galaxy set to tackle the CAF Confederation Cup head on

National First Division outfit TS Galaxy will make their debut in continental competition on Sunday when they take on Saint Louis Suns United from Seychelles at Mbombela Stadium in the CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday.

TS Galaxy’s unlikely triumph

The plucky underdogs qualified for the continental showpiece by becoming the first-ever club outside of the South African topflight to win the Nedbank Cup title last season.

They claimed a 1-0 win to stun Kaiser Chiefs, and the country, in the final but their run through the entire competition was very impressive.

TS Galaxy also knocked out Premiership clubs Ajax Cape Town and Golden Arrows on their way to the final triumph.

The experience will certainly give them confidence going forward, knowing they were able to mix it with the top teams in South Africa.

Momentum for the CAF Confederation Cup

Galaxy’s ambitious owner is hoping they can carry some of that form into the CAF Confederation Cup.

“We have always said that we aim to make an impact and it does not get better than this. We have prepared well and will make sure we get the right result,” Sukazi told CAFOnline.

“We plan to make another piece of history and win this Cup from the First Division. We believe we can do it. We won the Nedbank Cup with a squad of only local players.”

Unfortunately, there is little chance they will be underestimated by their opponents from the Seychelles, which is only a semi-professional outfit themselves.

However, if they can get through this two-leg qualifying round, they may be able to take advantage of some over-confidence in their opponents further down the line.

Struggles in the league

TS Galaxy is enjoying a growing reputation in South Africa for the ambition the club has been showing in the National First Division, something that is not particularly common in local football.

This ambition could be keenly felt in their efforts to keep hold of the head coach Dan Malesela in the face of reported interest from Kaizer Chiefs. The club managed to hang on to its man.

However, it is important to note how poor TS Galaxy was in the league last season.

Phenomenal Nedbank Cup run aside, they only managed to finish eighth in the National First Division in the 2018/19 campaign.

They won just nine out of 30 matches and finished the season 18 points behind eventual winners Stellenbosch FC, who were promoted to the Premiership.

The countdown has begun to our Sunday's historic CAF Confederation Cup match. Right now we are at Tonga Mall in Komartipoort with our Nedbank Cup trophy. Next stop is Kanyamazane complex. If you are around, please… https://t.co/KIBquq6jdT

— TS Galaxy FC (@TSGALAXYFC) August 9, 2019