Mamelodi Sundowns FC midfielder Themba Zwane has called on his teammates to beat TS Galaxy in their upcoming match. The Brazilians were defeated by Galaxy in their final match of last season, effectively ending their hopes of securing a record-extending ninth consecutive league title. Zwane admits the memory of that defeat still motivates the team ahead of their latest meeting in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday.
What happened?
Galaxy stunned Sundowns in their final match of last season, ending their hopes of a record-extending ninth consecutive league title.
Why it matters for Mamelodi Sundowns FC
The defeat still lingers in the minds of the Sundowns players, with Zwane admitting they are determined to respond when the sides meet again.
What comes next?
Sundowns will enter the encounter with renewed confidence after progressing to the MTN8 semi-finals at the weekend. The Brazilians also welcomed two new attacking additions into the fold, with Antonio Van Wyk making an immediate impact by scoring and providing an assist. Cassius Mailula also made his return to the club and proved decisive, scoring the winning goal in the cup tie.
Zwane believes both players have already demonstrated why Sundowns brought them back into the squad. "I think they're doing well, the guys welcomed them very well, we are happy to have them," he said. "They're quality players and that's why they're here."
The return of Van Wyk and Mailula provides Cardoso with further attacking options as Sundowns prepare to juggle their domestic and continental commitments. However, Zwane acknowledged that the team has had limited time to prepare specifically for Galaxy. Sundowns' preparations have been complicated by the late return of several Bafana Bafana players following their World Cup campaign, while the team has also had to process the passing of midfielder Jayden Adams.
Despite those challenges, Zwane says the players have used their time in Mpumalanga to revisit their previous encounter with Galaxy and ensure they are prepared for what awaits. "The preparations have obviously not been that much but upon arrival here in Mpumalanga, we got to rewatch the TS Galaxy game," he said. "We know exactly what to expect, especially the game we played last time when we were here."
What's at stake?
For Sundowns, Wednesday's encounter is therefore about more than three points. It represents an opportunity to put last season's painful ending behind them and make an early statement in the new campaign.
What's next for Mamelodi Sundowns FC?
Sundowns will face Golden Arrows in the MTN8 semi-finals, where they will look to build on their momentum after progressing to the last four. The team will also be looking to continue their winning form in the Betway Premiership, where they will face TS Galaxy in their upcoming match.
