‘We let him down’: Junior Zindoga owns up to Beganovic sacking

In a refreshing display of honesty, TS Galaxy striker Junior Zindoga has admitted that the club’s players must shoulder the blame for the recent dismissal of head coach Adnan Beganovic.

The Rockets made the high-stakes decision to part ways with the 43-year-old Bosnian last week, just as the club prepares for its biggest match of the season. The move followed a disastrous run in the Betway Premiership, where Galaxy have been stuck in a downward spiral that threatened their top-flight stability.

A Run of Form That Cost a Coach

Beganovic, who stepped into the head coaching role in November 2024 following Sead Ramovic’s resignation, oversaw a campaign that eventually hit a wall. Statistics tell a grim story of the final days of his tenure:

11 Premiership matches without a victory.

9 defeats in that period.

Only 2 draws recorded.

With only four league matches remaining and the club languishing in 12th place with 26 points, management “pulled the trigger,” appointing club legend Bernard Parker to lead the side on an interim basis.

Zindoga: “It’s Our Fault”

Speaking at the club’s Media Open Day in Southdale on Tuesday, a candid Zindoga did not hide behind the usual football clichés. Instead, he made it clear that the technical team’s plans were not the issue—it was the execution on the pitch.

“I think it’s part of football [the coach’s exit], it’s unfortunate, and as the 11 players on the pitch, those on the bench and in the stands, we take responsibility,” Zindoga told the media. “It’s our fault; we did let the gaffer down.”

Despite the league struggles, Beganovic did leave the club on the verge of silverware, having guided the Rockets to the Nedbank Cup final. Zindoga emphasized that while the team wishes their former mentor well, the focus must now shift entirely to the upcoming showdown at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Eyes on the Prize in Polokwane

The timing of the coaching change adds a layer of intrigue to Saturday’s final against Durban City FC. Under the guidance of Parker, the players are now tasked with turning their guilt into motivation.

“We tried to execute his plans as much as possible, but as footballers, we have to always be professional,” Zindoga added. “But right now we have to focus on our remaining games. We just have to be responsible as professional athletes.”

Whether the “Bernard Parker effect” can provide the spark needed to lift the trophy remains to be seen, but Zindoga’s comments suggest a squad that is fully aware they owe the club—and their former coach—a massive performance on May 2nd.