TS Galaxy
TS Galaxy thrash Chippa United 4-1 as Dithejane scores hat-trick in Betway Premiership clash. Puso Dithejane was a standout performer for TS Galaxy in their latest Betway Premiership assignment this week, as the Rockets powered their way to a 4-1 win over Chippa United at the Buffalo City Stadium on Tuesday night. Despite conceding early on in the tie, TS Galaxy showed grit and tenacity to come from behind in a performance that was supplemented by Dithejane, who scored an impressive hat-trick against the Eastern Cape side.
Rockets Overcome Early Setback to Dominate Chilli Boys
TS Galaxy turned things around in style with a convincing 4-1 victory against Chippa United in their Betway Premiership match at the Buffalo City Stadium in East London. The Rockets, who started the season slowly, grabbed their first win of the 2025/26 campaign thanks to a brilliant hat-trick from Puso Dithejane and a goal from Mlungisi Mbunjana. This result lifts TS Galaxy up the table, while Chippa United stay winless after three games, sitting near the bottom with just one point.
The game kicked off with both sides looking to make their mark early in the season. Chippa United, known as the Chilli Boys, came into the match after a goalless draw in their opener and a narrow loss, hoping to build on home advantage. TS Galaxy, under coach Adnan Beganovic, had drawn their first two games and were keen for three points to kickstart their push for a top-eight finish like last season.
Chippa struck first in the fifth minute. Khaya Mfecane, who has started the season well, scored with a right-footed shot from the centre of the 18-yard area. It was a quick counter that caught the visitors off guard, giving the home fans something to cheer early on.
But TS Galaxy did not panic. They kept most of the ball and created chances. Midway through the first half, players like Lentswe Motaung and Nhlanhla Mgaga tested Chippa keeper Stanley Nwabali from long range. The equaliser came five minutes before the break in the 40th minute. Dithejane picked up the ball on the edge of the area after a direct play and curled a stunning shot past Nwabali, who could only watch it fly in.
Dithejane, the 23-year-old forward who joined TS Galaxy from lower divisions, showed why he is a rising star. His goal was a moment of magic, bending into the top corner and sparking wild celebrations from the travelling supporters.
Second-Half Blitz Seals the Win for TS Galaxy
After the restart, TS Galaxy kept up the pressure. Beganovic’s side stayed proactive, bossing possession at around 60% for the game. Chippa struggled to get forward, with their midfield overrun.
The lead came in the 63rd minute. After winning a corner, Mbunjana found space in the box and guided a right-footed shot home. Mbunjana, a key midfielder for the Rockets, added power to their engine room all night.
Chippa tried to fight back, but TS Galaxy’s defence, led by MacBeth Mahlangu and Igor Makitan, held firm. The visitors bossed the ball after the 75th minute, and Chippa could not push up the field.
The killer blow came in the 81st minute. Dithejane scored his second with a headed effort inside the danger zone, winding the Chippa defence. It was a well-worked move, with the ball crossed in for Dithejane to nod home from close range.
Dithejane saved the best for last, completing his hat-trick in the 95th minute. On a swift break at the end of the game, he slotted in the fourth goal, making it 4-1. This was the first hat-trick of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season, and Dithejane became the star of the night. His three goals showed his skill: one curler from range, a header, and a calm finish on the counter.
Chippa made changes to try and spark life: Phawulothando Madingwana for Thabo Makhele at half-time, Aviwe Mqokozo for Justice Chabalala in the 71st, and others like Azola Matrose and Thabang Moloisane coming on. But nothing clicked, and they ended with few shots on target.
TS Galaxy also swapped players: Thabiso Mncube for Sphiwe Mahlangu in the 85th, Victor Letsoalo for Mgaga in the 78th, and Pogiso Sanoka for Mvelase late on. These kept them fresh to see out the win.
Coach Reactions and Player Highlights
TS Galaxy coach Adnan Beganovic praised his team’s fightback. He said they showed character after going behind early and deserved the win for their control and chances created. Beganovic, who took over last season, has built a side that plays quick, attacking football, and this result boosts their confidence.
Chippa United coach Kwanele Kopo admitted his side started well but faded. He pointed to defensive lapses and a lack of cutting edge up front. Kopo, in his first full season, faces pressure after a poor start, with calls for better results at home.
Puso Dithejane stole the show with his hat-trick. The young striker, born in South Africa, has been with TS Galaxy for a few seasons and is known for his pace and finishing. His goals took his tally to three for the season already, making him a key man for the Rockets. Fans online called him a “star boy” and hailed his curling opener as goal of the week material.
Other standouts included Mbunjana for his goal and midfield work, and Nwabali in goal for Chippa, who made several saves to keep the score down. Mfecane’s early strike was a bright spot for the Chilli Boys, continuing his good form.
Team Form and League Standing
This win moves TS Galaxy to a strong position early on, with four points from three games after two draws. They sit mid-table but look set for a push towards the top half, like their sixth-place finish last season. The Rockets, founded in 2015 by Tim Sukazi, have grown fast and aim for continental spots.
Chippa United stay near the bottom with one point from three games. Their return to the top flight has been rocky, with back-to-back losses after an opening draw. The club, based in East London, bought their status and revamped the squad, but results have not come yet. They face a fight to stay up if things do not improve.
In the wider Betway Premiership, early leaders like Sekhukhune United and Kaizer Chiefs have nine points from three wins. Mamelodi Sundowns sit close with seven, while newcomers like Orbit College and Durban City have mixed results. TS Galaxy’s win adds to the excitement of a tight league.
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