TS Galaxy, better known as the Rockets, returned to competitive football for the 2022/23 campaign on a do-or-die encounter against AmaZulu on Sunday August 7.
Due to the Springboks’ utilisation of the Mbombela Stadium for their triumph over New Zealand on Saturday, Galaxy played their first home game at Wits Stadium.
After the final preseason match, Galaxy head coach, Sead Ramovic, declared that they would approach their first game only looking for a win. Ramovic’s troops gave it their all in an effort to win and collect maximum, but they fell short and had to be up with one hard-earned point.
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Sbusiso Vilakazi was introduced by Ramovic in the hope that he would exploit his familiarity with the Wits pitch to his advantage and score goals, but he was unable to do so, since he was still getting used to the playing style of his new side.
The home team, TS Galaxy, had excellent ball circulation in the first half and dominated possession, but they were unable to capitalise on the opportunities they created. The winger, Lindokuhle Mbatha, had the biggest chance of the first half just before half-time, got a beautiful through ball from Marks Munyai, but he was unable to convert on a close-range effort.
Usuthu started at a slow pace, but gradually gained composure as the game progressed.
Bathusi Aubaas received a menacing curling cross from Ibrahim Seedat shortly after the second half began, and he caused Usuthu goalkeeper Veli Mothwa to make a save to prevent him from scoring.
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The pressure remained building for the KwaZulu-Natal men, but they had to relieve it by halting the game to make a double substitute, which involved bringing on Ethan Brooks and Augustine Kwem, two former Rockets players.
Gabadinho Mhango, a new striker for AmaZulu and a former member of the Orlando Pirates, had a great game. He had multiple shots on goal and caused Melusi Buthelezi to make saves to keep him from scoring.
In stoppage time, the Rockets were arguing for a penalty after it was clear that Bongi Ntuli had handled the ball in the box, but the referee decided to keep play going instead of giving a penalty.
Both clubs earned a point as the game concluded in a scoreless draw.
The Rockets will meet the defending champion Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Stadium in Tshwane on Wednesday, thus they have a monumental task ahead of them.
