Chiefs look to bounce back from African disappointment

Kaizer Chiefs will look to bounce back from their African club disappointment when they host TS Galaxy for a Round of 16 Carling Knockout clash at the FNB Stadium on the evening of Tuesday 27 October 2026. Kick-off is at 7pm CAT.

Form and team news

Chiefs come into the match on the back of exiting the CAF Confederation Cup this past weekend. The Amakhosi defeated Zambia’s Red Arrows 1-0 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday evening, but their second-round qualifying tie ended 1-1 on aggregate, and Arrows went on to triumph by penalties – putting the Soweto giants out of continental competition for the season.

Prior to their two-legged tie against Arrows, Chiefs had played out three successive draws in the Betway Premiership (1-1 away to Polokwane City, 0-0 away to Golden Arrows and 1-1 at home to Stellenbosch FC), and coach Fernando Da Cruz is coming under increasing pressure. Another cup exit would not be tolerated by the club’s supporters.

Galaxy were last in action on October 13, suffering a 3-0 loss away to Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership – a third successive defeat. The Rockets have endured a tough start to the current season, winning just one of their eight league matches so far.

That form saw the departure of head coach Bernard Parker earlier this month, leaving Esau Mtsweni to take charge on a caretaker basis.

What the teams are saying

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz:

“The team played with confidence; the team played with a lot of personality, with the ball, without the ball. What we showed [against Red Arrows on Friday] is not an issue of confidence.”

TS Galaxy caretaker coach Esau Mtsweni:

“Obviously this is a turning point for us. We have to go there and win the game because that would create opportunities for us. As a coach, you must always be ready. I think this opportunity came at the perfect time, and I’m hopeful that we can make the most of it.”

Players to watch

Kaizer Chiefs – Bradley Cross

The defender scored the only goal of the game against Red Arrows this past weekend, but unfortunately his effort was in vain. Nonetheless, the 25-year-old continues to grow in influence and confidence with Chiefs, and will be a key man in this Carling Knockout tie against TS Galaxy.

TS Galaxy – Mlondi Mncwango

The young defender has been one of TS Galaxy’s best players in a difficult run of form, underlining his ability to put aside the trouble around him and still perform to a high level. He’ll face another testing match against Kaizer Chiefs, but will be eager to further enhance his growing reputation.

Head-to-Head

Chiefs and Galaxy have met in two previous cup matches – both in the Nedbank Cup, and both won 1-0 by the Rockets (the 2018/19 final, and a round of 32 clash in 2021/22).

Overall, including league meetings, the teams have clashed in 14 matches, producing three wins for Galaxy, two for Chiefs, and no less than nine draws.

The Amakhosi won the latest meeting of the teams, a Betway Premiership clash in April which ended 2-0 in favour of the Soweto side thanks to goals from Flavio Silva and Glody Lilepo.