Now that they have found their winning combinations, TS Galaxy have improved their target of retaining their Premiership status to a top-eight finish this season.
The Rockets are currently enjoying a good run as they are unbeaten in seven matches in the DStv Premiership and moved to eighth on the log table with 23 points from 18 games.
Striker Mxolisi Macuphu said they aim to maintain their place in the top eight and plan to remain there until the end of the season.
“The target has been simple. It was to retain the status to be here next season. But when you put hard work into it, you get that, now we are in the top eight, and we had to refresh our goals,” Macuphu told Sowetan yesterday.
“So, staying in the top eight would be a great achievement for the team. Now we need to maintain the same momentum to achieve that.”
Galaxy will host struggling Black Leopards at Mbombela Stadium tonight (5pm), hoping to continue their impressive run and maintain their place in the top eight.
They have already defeated Leopards this season away and are planning for a double.
“We played Leopards three or four weeks ago when they were number last, and we took three points away from them,” Macuphu said.
“We are looking to do the same this time. We are ready for the match, and we must keep going. We know Leopards will want revenge, and it is going to be a difficult game, but we are hoping for the best results once more. We respect them, and it is going to be a difficult game, as I said.”
The 31-year-old has also praised coach Owen da Gama for changing the attitude of the players. When Da Gama took over in January, Galaxy were battling in the relegation zone, but he managed to guide them to a top-eight place now.
“He has installed the courage in the players. The fighting spirit that we have now and before is different.
“We had to adjust to his philosophy quickly. I mean, at some point, we were last on the log. So, we had to change the situation. As a professional player, a coach can come, and it is up to you as a player how you want to take it.
“But you always want to take it positively and try to achieve the goal. A goal of TS Galaxy was not to be relegated, but to survive in the first season.”
Fixtures
Nedbank Cup
Sundowns v Polokwane City, Loftus Versfeld Stadium, 3pm.
DStv Premiership
Chippa v AmaZulu, Sisa Dukashe Stadium, 5pm.
Galaxy v Leopards, Mbombela Stadium, 5pm
Baroka v Stellenbosch, Peter Mokaba Stadium, 5pm.
Maritzburg v Chiefs, Harry Gwala Stadium, 6pm.
Rockets' initial plan was to secure status
Revitalised Galaxy target top-eight finish this season
Image: Thohoyandou/BackpagePix/Gallo Images
Now that they have found their winning combinations, TS Galaxy have improved their target of retaining their Premiership status to a top-eight finish this season.
The Rockets are currently enjoying a good run as they are unbeaten in seven matches in the DStv Premiership and moved to eighth on the log table with 23 points from 18 games.
Striker Mxolisi Macuphu said they aim to maintain their place in the top eight and plan to remain there until the end of the season.
“The target has been simple. It was to retain the status to be here next season. But when you put hard work into it, you get that, now we are in the top eight, and we had to refresh our goals,” Macuphu told Sowetan yesterday.
“So, staying in the top eight would be a great achievement for the team. Now we need to maintain the same momentum to achieve that.”
Galaxy will host struggling Black Leopards at Mbombela Stadium tonight (5pm), hoping to continue their impressive run and maintain their place in the top eight.
They have already defeated Leopards this season away and are planning for a double.
“We played Leopards three or four weeks ago when they were number last, and we took three points away from them,” Macuphu said.
“We are looking to do the same this time. We are ready for the match, and we must keep going. We know Leopards will want revenge, and it is going to be a difficult game, but we are hoping for the best results once more. We respect them, and it is going to be a difficult game, as I said.”
The 31-year-old has also praised coach Owen da Gama for changing the attitude of the players. When Da Gama took over in January, Galaxy were battling in the relegation zone, but he managed to guide them to a top-eight place now.
“He has installed the courage in the players. The fighting spirit that we have now and before is different.
“We had to adjust to his philosophy quickly. I mean, at some point, we were last on the log. So, we had to change the situation. As a professional player, a coach can come, and it is up to you as a player how you want to take it.
“But you always want to take it positively and try to achieve the goal. A goal of TS Galaxy was not to be relegated, but to survive in the first season.”
Fixtures
Nedbank Cup
Sundowns v Polokwane City, Loftus Versfeld Stadium, 3pm.
DStv Premiership
Chippa v AmaZulu, Sisa Dukashe Stadium, 5pm.
Galaxy v Leopards, Mbombela Stadium, 5pm
Baroka v Stellenbosch, Peter Mokaba Stadium, 5pm.
Maritzburg v Chiefs, Harry Gwala Stadium, 6pm.
Maritzburg‚ Middendorp and Moseamedi lie in wait for Kaizer Chiefs
Arrows have chance to sneak past Orlando Pirates into second spot
Malesela still confident of leading struggling Chippa United to the top eight
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