TS Galaxy defender Lentswe Motaung is expected to miss tonight's Betway Premiership match after being hijacked and injured in Thokoza. The 21-year-old right-back is currently receiving medical treatment in hospital following the incident in Phola Park during the early hours of Saturday morning.
He sustained injuries requiring immediate intervention, and the hijacked vehicle remains missing. The club has not yet released an official statement regarding the incident or Motaung's recovery timeline.
Player and team context
Motaung had started all seven of TS Galaxy's matches this season and was a regular under coach Bernard Parker. His most recent appearance was in the 1-0 defeat to Chippa United on 20 September. Last season, he made 27 appearances across all competitions, including 22 in the league, and was named Man of the Match against Sekhukhune United earlier this month.
His absence is a significant blow for a team sitting 12th in the Premier Soccer League with six points from eight games. The Rockets have lost their last three matches, including a 3-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates just days ago.
Match implications
The incident casts a shadow over preparations for the key fixture against Orlando Pirates, scheduled for a 19:30 kick-off at the Orlando Amstel Arena. Motaung will be forced to watch from the sidelines during his recovery.
Authorities have confirmed the vehicle was still operating with a permit and had not been registered. An appeal has been made for anyone with information to come forward. Motaung was integrated into the senior team in 2024 and has become a relied-upon starter. The team's next assignment after the Pirates game is an away trip to face 10th-placed Polokwane City on 31 October. Check the full squad list for potential replacements in defence.
Further reading: Vehicle Trackers
