TS Galaxy maintained their unbeaten start to the DStv Premiership with a 1-0 win over winless Kaizer Chiefs at Mbombela Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Chiefs came into the game without the presence of in-form forward Ashely du Preez, while Ranga Chivaviro who’s been struggling for fitness started up front for the side that would have been buoyed by their 2-1 win over Cape Town City in the MTN8 quarter-finals.
And while the new off-season signing from Marumo Gallants showed signs of promise, he ultimately lasted only 36 minutes before being hauled off for Christian Saile due to a suspected hamstring injury.
Amakhosi had the bulk of possession and could have opened the scoring through the substitute but his effort went inches wide of the post after showing plenty of pace to get in behind the Galaxy defence.
However, Chiefs were let off the hook just before the break too, as Sifiso Hlanti appeared to have handled the ball inside the area but a corner was given to the home side.
Not deterred by the decision, the Rockets, who started the season with a 1-0 win over Cape Town Spurs and 0-0 draw against Chippa took the lead as their marquee signing Higor Vidal forced an own goal five minutes into the second half from Brandon Petersen.
Chiefs probed after going behind for an equaliser and had a couple of half chances, but the defence of Sead Ramovic’ as has been the case since his arrival in South Africa, held firm for a famous victory over the Soweto giants.
The win moved Galaxy into third place, with seven points, level with second-placed SuperSport United and five points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played one game more.
While Chiefs are in 13th, with one draw and two defeats from their opening three league games under head coach Molefi Ntseki.
