TS Galaxy FC coach Bernard Parker has hailed a renewed spark within his squad following the recent lifting of the club's FIFA transfer ban, a significant boost.
Parker noted the impact on team spirit after Saturday's Premier Soccer League fixture against Sekhukhune United at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium ended in a 0-0 draw. The Rockets currently sit 10th in the standings with 5 points from four matches, having scored and conceded 7 goals for a neutral goal difference. Their recent form reads WDLD, placing them 8 points behind early leaders Orlando Pirates.
The removal of FIFA's restrictions allowed TS Galaxy to field a fuller squad. Parker directly linked this administrative relief to the on-field performance and the subsequent mood in training. He observed a tangible shift in attitude during preparations, with increased energy and competitiveness as players fought for selection.
This internal competition is a welcome change for a side looking to climb from mid-table. Fans can track the squad's evolution and availability on the official squad page.
The match presented a unique tactical puzzle. Sekhukhune United, known as Babina Noko, parted ways with coach Kaze just one month into the campaign, creating internal turmoil. Papi Zothwane has now taken over as head coach. Parker acknowledged the difficulty of facing a team under new management so soon. "Now that the head coach has left, it makes it a bit more difficult because some coaches have different approaches, ideas, and methods," Parker explained. He expressed hope that Zothwane would not implement too many drastic changes for his first game in charge.
The stakes were high, with only a single point separating the two teams in the tightly packed league standings. A win for TS Galaxy could have seen them make a meaningful jump.
The immediate focus is consolidating the momentum from the squad's renewed spirit. Parker highlighted the "intent, and willingness from the whole squad" as a key foundation. The team's balanced record of 7 goals scored and 7 conceded suggests a need for greater defensive solidity to turn draws into wins and improve their WDLD form.
With the transfer ban lifted, the club has more flexibility to address squad needs, though Parker's comments suggest the current group is responding positively. The upcoming fixtures will test whether this renewed spark translates into consistent points.
