TS Galaxy caretaker Mtsweni targets Chiefs scalp in cup tie

TS Galaxy caretaker coach Esau Mtsweni is targeting a victory over Kaizer Chiefs in the Carling Knockout Cup to turn around the club's form and push for a place in the final.

TS Galaxy caretaker coach Esau Mtsweni has framed Tuesday's Carling Knockout Cup tie against Kaizer Chiefs as a vital turning point for his struggling side. The 46-year-old, who stepped in after Bernard Parker's departure, believes a strong cup run can ignite their season. He stressed that the opportunity to lead is ideal and that coaches must be ready when called upon. The team's league position of 13th in the Premier Soccer League, with just six points from eight games, shows the need for a positive change.

"Obviously this is a turning point for us," Mtsweni said. The match kicks off at 7pm at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, with TS Galaxy aiming to reach the final of the competition. The Rockets currently sit 13th in the Premier Soccer League with just six points from eight games, having lost their last three matches. Their recent form is a major concern, with the team conceding an average of 1.5 goals per game while scoring just 0.88 per match in the league this term. Their overall record this season shows one win, three draws, and four losses, with a goal difference of minus five from seven scored and twelve conceded.

Young talent highlighted

Mtsweni expressed confidence in the club's young players, singling out Seluleko Mahlambi for particular praise. "Mahlambi is a very good player for us and I see a bright future for him," the coach stated. He added that it is not only about Mahlambi but also the other talented young players in the squad, who he believes have considerable potential. The coach will look to top scorer V. Letsoalo, who has netted four of the team's seven league goals, to provide the cutting edge needed against Chiefs.

Cup hopes and recent setbacks

This cup campaign follows a difficult league period, most recently a 3-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates on 13 October. That result extended a three-match losing streak, a run that has left the team 17 points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. The club's immediate focus, however, is on replicating last season's Carling Knockout Cup run, where they reached the semi-finals before losing 2-1 to Golden Arrows. They had beaten Orbit College 1-0 to get to that stage. The recent defeats include a 1-0 loss to Chippa United on 20 September and a 1-0 loss to Kruger United on 13 September.

With only seven goals scored and 12 conceded in the league this term, finding a cutting edge will be key. After the cup tie, attention returns to the league and a key away fixture against 11th-placed Polokwane City on Saturday 31 October.