Kruger United registered their first win in the Betway Premiership, defeating 10-man TS Galaxy 1-0 at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium on Sunday evening.
Khethukuthula Ndlovu scored the only goal of the game as the Village Boys picked up their first three-point haul in the top flight. The result lifted them clear of the danger zone, as they rose to 13th (four points from six matches), while the Rockets are 11th (six points from as many matches).
Galaxy made most of the running in the first half and striker Sedwyn George twice threatened to open the scoring inside the first 20 minutes, first dragging a low shot just wide from the right of the penalty area, before an effort from a free kick which forced a save from goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou.
The hosts had another decent chance in the 27th minute when Anslin Williams crossed from the left to find the head of Mpho Mvelase, but his effort travelled high and wide.
Kruger saw less of the ball but had two notable efforts on goal – both from long range – as Ebrahim Seedat and Aphiwe Mphothe both tested out Galaxy’s Ira Tape.
The Rockets suffered a blow when George succumbed to an injury and had to be replaced in the latter stages of the first half, while Kruger made a triple change at the start of the second – sending on Khethukuthula Ndlovu, Motsie Matima and Lesedi Kapinga.
A further hit landed for Galaxy in the 50th minute when defender Veluyeke Zulu lost possession to Mlungisi Zwane in a dangerous position and responded by virtually rugby-tackling him to prevent a goal-scoring opportunity. The referee had no choice but to send Zulu off with a straight red card.
Even with a numerical disadvantage, Galaxy nearly claimed the lead just past the hour mark when Victor Letsoalo spotted Dandjinou off his line and sent a strike toward goal from just inside the Kruger half – the ‘keeper retreated and turned the ball away for a corner kick.
The Village Boys finally capitalised on having a man extra when they claimed the lead in the 72nd minute, as substitute Ndlovu was able to steer home Zwane’s assist from the right to secure a 1-0 advantage.
Matima almost doubled the lead a few minutes later, unleashing a beautiful strike from just outside the box that almost skimmed the top of the crossbar, while Ntsako Makhubela also stabbed a close-range shot wide in the 82nd minute after good set-up play from Leontswe Motaung.
Galaxy threw men forward in the dying minutes to try and salvage something from the match, but Kruger were able to hold firm in defence and secure a first-ever Premiership victory.
The teams will return to Premiership action next weekend, with Kruger at home to Stellenbosch, and Galaxy welcoming Chippa United.
TS Galaxy 0
Kruger United (1) 1 (Ndlovu 73’)
GALAXY: Tape, Mvelase (Khumalo 53’), Nkosi (Mbunjana 77’), Williams (Zindoga 77’), Letsoalo, George (Maoke 39’), Motaung, Mathebula, Ngobeni, Mdevulana (Kakora 77’), Zulu
KRUGER: Dandjinou, Sibiya, Ndlela (Ndlovu 46’), Zwane (Mahlangu 86’), Makhubu (Kapinga 46’), Malatjie, Seedat, Mohamme, Tavengwa, Mngonyama (Makhubela 65’), Mphothe (Matima 46’)