Beganovic backs Galaxy to stun tired Sundowns

TS Galaxy head coach Adnan Beganovic is refusing to be intimidated by the Mamelodi Sundowns juggernaut, insisting his “high-scoring” Rockets have the firepower to dump the favourites out of the Nedbank Cup.

The two sides meet in a blockbuster Round of 16 clash at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with Sundowns arriving on the back of a gruelling schedule that saw them conquer MC Alger in the CAF Champions League and Orlando Pirates in the league.

While many see Masandawana as untouchable, Beganovic—a self-proclaimed “glass half-full” tactician—believes the Rockets’ attacking statistics give them a fighting chance.

TS Galaxy Coach Beganovic Gunning for Goals

“If I’m right, we are among the top three clubs for scoring goals,” Beganovic said at the pre-match conference in Johannesburg. “We create a lot of opportunities. We want to keep going, work hard, and believe in ourselves. We can progress to the next round, why not?”

Galaxy are no strangers to Nedbank Cup miracles, having famously stunned Kaizer Chiefs to lift the trophy in 2019. Beganovic, who was part of the technical team that led Galaxy to the Carling Knockout final last year, is desperate to go one step further this time.

Beganovic has done his homework, personally attending Sundowns’ recent victories to map out a plan. He acknowledges the quality of Manqoba Mngqithi’s men but is banking on his side’s freshness and “beautiful football” to carry the day.

“I know it will be a tough game, but it is also a game where we have a chance to do something,” he added. “I want to try everything to get a positive result for us. We will try to play for the goal more.”

With the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium expected to be a cauldron of noise, Galaxy will be looking to prove that in the “Cup of Dreams,” reputation counts for nothing once the whistle blows at 3 PM.