TS Galaxy brush aside Jacksa Spears to secure Nedbank Cup semis spot

There was to be no giant-killing act at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in KwaMhlanga on Sunday afternoon, as TS Galaxy dismantled a spirited Jacksa Spears side 2-0 to book their place in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals.

While the lower-division outfit showed plenty of heart—even rattling the woodwork in the second half—the top-flight quality of the Rockets proved too much to overcome. Goals from Igor Salatiel Silva and Tshepo Kakora ensured Adnan Beganovic’s men joined Casric Stars and Milford FC in the final four.

First Half: Igor Rises to the Occasion

The match began with TS Galaxy asserting their dominance early, though Jacksa Spears served an early warning when Harold Mahlalela forced a brilliant save from Ira Tapé in the 12th minute.

However, the deadlock was broken in the 34th minute. Following a well-worked set-piece situation, Patrick Fisher delivered a pinpoint cross into the heart of the box. Brazilian defender Igor rose highest to plant a powerful header into the top left corner, leaving the Spears goalkeeper with no chance.

The Rockets took that 1-0 lead into the break, though the first half was not without its casualties, as both Igor and Seluleko Mahlambi picked up yellow cards in a feisty opening 45 minutes.

Second Half: Kakora Seals the Deal For TS Galaxy

Galaxy didn’t wait long to double their advantage after the restart. In the 58th minute, Tshepo Kakora showcased his individual brilliance, cutting inside from the right side of the box before unleashing a left-footed strike that curled into the top corner to make it 2-0.

Despite the deficit, Jacksa Spears refused to go down without a fight. The minnows threw everything at the Betway Premiership side in the final twenty minutes:

In the 74th minute, Harold Mahlalela nearly pulled one back with a close-range header, but Tapé was equal to the task with a stunning save. A few moments later, the stadium held its breath as Itumeleng Olyn unleashed a thunderous right-footed shot from outside the box, only to see it crash against the crossbar.

Beganovic utilised his bench effectively to see out the result, bringing on the likes of Mpho Mvelase and MacBeth Mahlangu to stabilise the defence. While Igor was forced off due to injury in the 65th minute—replaced by Veluyeke Zulu—the Rockets remained disciplined under pressure.

Spears continued to rack up corners late in the game and box entries, but the experienced Galaxy backline held firm to keep the clean sheet intact.

Galaxy now joins the “Giant Killers” Casric Stars and Milford FC in the hat for the semi-final draw. With only one quarter-final tie remaining (the KZN Derby between Durban City and Golden Arrows), the Rockets remain one of the favourites to lift the “Cup of Dreams.”