DStv Premiership Match Report: Ts Galaxy Gets Revenge on Disappointing Orlando Pirates

• A first-half strike by Lefa Hlongwane saw TS Galaxy edge out Orlando Pirates 1-0 in a DStv Premiership match at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit
• The result saw the Rockets move out of the relegation zone entirely, jumping up to 13th place on the table
• The Buccaneers, on the other hand, saw their ever-fading hopes of finishing second fade further away

TS Galaxy defeated Orlando Pirates 1-0 in an engrossing DStv Premiership encounter at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.

Lefa Hlongwane's goal in the 33rd minute proved enough to lift the Rockets up to 13th place with 26 points, further away from the relegation zone. The loss was another near-fatal blow to the Buccaneers' hopes of finishing in runners-up, failing to win their last three league matches (0-0 vs Baroka FC, 0-0 vs Chippa United).

Any hopes of Pirates playing in next season's CAF Champions League hinge on them finishing in second, where Royal AM sits with 45 points. Winning the Confederations Cup is not a criteria required to do so, as many would like to think.

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The match was characterised by brave Galaxy defending, as Pirates had no clue how to break through the desperate rearguard.

The Rockets can't rest on their laurels, next taking on Cape Town City on Saturday, with the Cityzens themselves chasing the second place finish. Orlando Pirates will have to dust off the disappointment, turning their attention to the first leg of their Confederations Cup against Al Ahly Tripoli on Sunday.

TS Galaxy looks to settle Tim Sukazi scuffle beef with Orlando Pirates on the pitch

TS Galaxy and Orlando Pirates will collide in what will be a grudge match at the Mbombela Stadium this afternoon at 3pm inside the cauldron of the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.

As reported by Sports Brief, the Rockets and Mbombela were involved in an unpleasant DStv Premiership encounter last December that was marred by ugly scenes between Pirates security and Galaxy owner and chairman Tim Sukazi outside Orlando Stadium.

The Buccaneers won that encounter 2-0.