TS Galaxy vs Mamelodi Sundowns: can the Rockets shock the champions again? - 11.08.2026
TS Galaxy
On August 11, in the second round of the Betway Premiership, TS Galaxy will host Mamelodi Sundowns at the Mbombela Stadium.
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This is one of those fixtures where the schedule immediately throws up a real headline clash: just a few months ago, Galaxy already stunned Sundowns on this very pitch—3:2.
But let's start with the current season. Galaxy have played just one game in the new campaign so far—opening away to Sivelele and settling for a 2:2 draw. In fact, the Rockets had to come from behind, but managed to claw back thanks to goals from Victor Letsoalo (from the penalty spot) and Veluyeke Zulu. So the team’s character is not in doubt, but there are still questions at the back.
For Sundowns, the start of the season has been even more unusual. Their opening match against Marumo Gallants was postponed, so this clash with Galaxy will actually be the champions' first official game of the new Betway Premiership season. The rescheduled fixture is set for August 19.
That brings us to the key question: what sort of shape will Sundowns be in when they take the field? The team remains one of the top title contenders, having finished second last season, just missing out on the crown to Orlando Pirates. Sundowns actually ended their previous campaign with a defeat—ironically, at the hands of TS Galaxy, 2:3. That loss snapped a remarkable 13-match unbeaten run in the league.
Galaxy’s situation is very different. Last season, they finished just 12th, with 32 points from 30 matches. But against Sundowns, this side can transform into an entirely different team. The last head-to-head proved it perfectly: the Rockets scored twice in the opening 20 minutes, and after Sundowns leveled, Mpho Mvelase netted the winner almost immediately after the restart.
So Sundowns will be extra motivated. Yes, the visitors’ squad depth and class make them favorites on paper, but playing Galaxy at Mbombela is far from a walk in the park. The hosts have already shown they know how to capitalize on the champions’ mistakes and are lethal when given space up front.
Still, I wouldn’t expect Sundowns to play it safe. For them, it’s the first league match of the new season, so the players will be eager to make a statement right away. The visitors boast enough individual brilliance in attack to trouble almost any defense in the division.
Galaxy, meanwhile, may stick to a tried-and-tested script: compact without the ball, quick transitions, and making the most of home advantage. After that high-scoring draw with Sivelele, the hosts clearly have defensive issues to address, but up front they’ve already shown they can create—and finish—chances.
All in all, this game looks far more intriguing than the fixture list might suggest. Sundowns are objectively stronger and should be considered favorites, but Galaxy have made a habit of turning this matchup into a nightmare for the reigning champions.
My prediction—both teams to score: yes.
