Mamelodi Sundowns target revenge as Galaxy clash approaches
The shadow of last season’s final-day defeat to TS Galaxy remains a motivating force within the Mamelodi Sundowns squad as the club prepares to meet the Mpumalanga side in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday. The loss, which cost Sundowns a record-extending ninth consecutive league title, is still fresh among players and staff and has shaped the tone of their preparation.
Midfielder Themba Zwane told reporters the team felt compelled to win when the two sides meet.
“To be honest, we have to win against them,” Zwane said. “Every time we play them, they give us a tough time but we know it’s not going to be easy, but we have to push.”
Sundowns arrive at the fixture buoyed by recent cup form, having progressed to the MTN8 semi-finals at the weekend. Manager Miguel Cardoso’s side required extra time to overcome Polokwane City and will now face Golden Arrows in the last four. The cup tie also marked the immediate impact of two returning attacking options, Antonio Van Wyk and Cassius Mailula, who both contributed decisive moments in the win.
- MTN8 progress: Sundowns beat Polokwane City after extra time and are through to the semi-finals.
- Attack reinforcements: Antonio Van Wyk scored and provided an assist, while Cassius Mailula netted the winner after his return to the club.
- Preparation issues: Several Bafana Bafana players returned late from World Cup duties and the squad has also been affected by the passing of midfielder Jayden Adams.
Zwane acknowledged the squad has had limited time to prepare specifically for Galaxy. Several first-team players only returned late from international duty with Bafana Bafana following the World Cup campaign, constraining training and tactical work. The squad has also had to contend with the emotional strain following the recent death of young midfielder Jayden Adams, which has affected group focus and planning.
Despite these factors, Zwane said the coaching staff and players used a training camp in Mpumalanga to revisit the previous encounter with Galaxy and sharpen their approach. He emphasised the need to show both resilience and awareness of Galaxy’s threat, acknowledging that the Mpumalanga outfit have proven capable of upsetting Sundowns in the past.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Recent cup result | Beat Polokwane City after extra time to reach MTN8 semi-finals |
| Next cup opponent | Golden Arrows (MTN8 semi-final) |
| Returning attackers | Antonio Van Wyk (goal & assist), Cassius Mailula (winning goal) |
For Mamelodi residents who follow Sundowns closely, the fixture is more than three points: it carries the emotional weight of last season’s finale and tests whether the team have responded to that setback. There are also practical questions about squad rotation as Cardoso balances domestic and continental commitments; the return of Van Wyk and Mailula expands his attacking options but the late return of internationals limits training time to bed in combinations.
Fans in and around Mamelodi have watched Sundowns grow into a national institution — a club whose results shape local conversation and whose squad management affects season expectations. The upcoming match against Galaxy will be a yardstick for whether Sundowns have shaken off last season’s disappointment and can sustain form across multiple competitions.
As kick-off approaches in Mpumalanga, the message from inside the Sundowns dressing room is straightforward: revenge matters. Zwane’s insistence that the team must win underlines both the lingering hurt from the previous season and the renewed belief within the squad after a cup victory and the reintegration of two attacking players.
Whatever the outcome, the game promises a tense affair and will be watched closely by supporters in Mamelodi who expect the Brazilians to respond to a result that still rankles.
