Tim Sukazi eyes Nedbank Cup glory as TS Galaxy look to relive historic success

TS Galaxy’s historic success in the 2019 Nedbank Cup laid the foundation on which the club is built, which is why chairman Tim Sukazi is eager for another successful night in the competition at New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday (6pm kick-off).

Galaxy are in the Nedbank Cup final and will face Durban City. This is a familiar environment for the Rockets, given that they announced themselves to the local and continental masses by becoming the first NFD side to win the country’s premier knockout competition.

By winning the Nedbank Cup, Galaxy also represented the country on the continent via the CAF Confederation Cup – a milestone for the club, the PSL and the continent, as they had achieved what no other lower-ranked team had done before.

Such was the buzz around the club, which was only four years old at the time, that Sukazi and the rest of his management team saw it fit to take the club to greater heights by buying the status of Highlands Park during the 2020/21 season.

Their rise continued as they grew in leaps and bounds, including reaching another final four years later, when they lost the Carling Knockout to Stellenbosch at the final hurdle in Durban in December 2023.

Given that Galaxy will be competing in a third final in seven years, Sukazi has reflected on how the success of 2019 completely reshaped the image and direction of the club.

“The success in 2019 definitely transformed the club,” Sukazi revealed. “In 2019, TS Galaxy was in the second division, and we remain the only club to have won the Nedbank Cup from the lower ranks.

“So, upon the conclusion of that game, and in view of the opponents that we faced then, we thought the club defined itself. The project told us where the club belongs, and where it should be.”

The meteoric rise of Galaxy has been a collective effort, with the coaches and players the club has signed over the years proving their worth – especially considering their focus on producing and refining talent for sale to the local big three or abroad.

They haven’t had much luck in finding balance between player sales and grinding out results in the Betway Premiership this season. As such, the club recently parted ways with coach Adnan Beganovic following a 10-game winless streak – nine defeats and one draw – in the league.

Sukazi admitted that it wasn’t an easy decision to make, given the impact Beganovic had at the club since being Sead Ramovic’s assistant, but said something needed to change – possibly to avoid relegation.

“As I stand here, I have certainly diagnosed where the problem is. I have since identified a strategy that will also take us forward,” Sukazi said.

“I think every change that has happened was bound to happen at some point. Our previous coaches contributed well to our cause. They played a big part. Their contribution will go a long way – it hasn’t ended because they are not here.”

Sukazi has moved swiftly to replace Beganovic, appointing Bernard Parker on an interim basis. Parker is no stranger to the dugout; he was Beganovic’s assistant, a former reserve team coach at the club and a former senior team player.

Given his coaching exposure and decorated playing career, Sukazi explained why it was a no-brainer to appoint the former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana attacker.

“Probably South Africa is yet to see the best of Bernard Parker in his coaching qualities – I can say that without fear or contradiction,” Sukazi said. “He’s someone that I know, and I have come a long way with.

“I hold him in high regard personally. It is my wish that the legend of our game, if possible, finds opportunities in the game itself – especially someone like Parker who has served the game. I hope others come to the fore as well.”

With Parker having collected a point in his first game in charge, he’ll be eager to rise to the occasion where it matters most in Polokwane. 

He has tasted both the sweetness and bitterness of the Nedbank Cup as he scored the winning goal for Chiefs in the 2013 final, while he was on the losing end when Amakhosi lost to Galaxy six years later.

Parker’s job will be cut out for him. Durban City have been in form in the elite league: they are in the Nedbank Cup final, seventh on the log standings and have already taken all six points from Galaxy this season.

“That says the match will be very tough,” Sukazi said. “Our boys have to show up, give it their best, and hopefully we’ll come away with the trophy.”