Fit-again Kaizer Chiefs defender Given Msimango is eyeing a statement performance as Amakhosi take on his former club TS Galaxy FC in a Betway Premiership match at FNB Stadium on Sunday afternoon [15:00].
The Soweto giants will be out to build on a three-match winning streak and hand themselves better chances of a top-three finish to the campaign. Such a conclusion would guarantee their participation in CAF inter-club competitions next season.
They, however, come up against TS Galaxy, who are desperately seeking redemption. The Rockets are on an eight-match winless run in the league after losing their last seven games and sharing the spoils once.
Currently 12th on the table, they make for dangerous opponents for Chief as they seek recovery to steer clear of the relegation zone. However, making up for the Premiership woes by reaching the Nedbank Cup final might act as a morale boost for Adnan Beganovic’s men.
One of the players highly anticipating Sunday’s tie is Msimango, who has for the past year been battling injury demons that derailed his progress as a footballer. The 28-year-old will be facing his former club, TS Galaxy, where he spent three seasons of his professional career.
Now donning Amakhosi colours, he is not only emotional about overcoming the fitness fight but also about facing a club that thrust him into the spotlight. Since joining Chiefs in July 2023, Msimango has faced Galaxy twice.
Both encounters have been in the league, with the two teams drawing 1-1 and Galaxy winning 1-0 in the other game. The lanky centre-back has been out of the matchday squad in the other three meetings between Chiefs and the Rockets.
MSIMANGO’S PERSONAL CHALLENGE AGAINST TS GALAXY
“Being my former team, I always look forward to playing TS Galaxy. They hold a place in my heart; I was once the captain there and spent three good seasons there, where I was given a platform to show what I can do,” said Msimango.
“They play good football, and I enjoy playing against teams that believe in a certain philosophy of how they want to play football. It’s a challenge for me personally because I have to prove myself and my ability against quality opposition.”
The central defender played the entire match against Orbit College FC last Monday, his first competitive match since the Valentine’s Day CAF Confederation Cup game away at Zamalek SC in February. That match saw a fitness relapse after the player thought he had beaten a nine-month stay on the sidelines battling against a problematic groin.
“My injury lay-off was a very difficult period for me. It started around April last year. I battled with a groin injury for six or seven months,” Msimango said.
“As soon as I recovered, I played a few games and broke down a bit against Zamalek [in the CAF Confederation Cup] in a very important match, which was very frustrating. But I have been through my rehabilitation, and I’m ready for regular football.
“You have to accept the situation for what it is, that it is a difficult phase you are going through, so I had to come to terms with what was happening to me physically, which helps me deal with it mentally.
Support from family has been very important, as well as that of club management, who have been very supportive throughout my ordeal. It has taken a lot of positivity and mental strength to battle through to get back to full fitness.”
A TIMELY RETURN FOR MSIMANGO AS CHIEFS FACE CENTRAL DEFENCE CRISIS
Msimango returns at a time Chiefs have been in a fix when it comes to their centre-backs. He has returned to plug the gap left by vice-captain Zitha Kwinika, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
Meanwhile, Inacio Miguel is back in contention for the TS Galaxy clash after being sidelined by a combination of injury and disciplinary issues, which saw him miss Amakhosi’s recent outing against Orbit College FC. However, the Soweto giants remain without Rushwin Dortley, who is still undergoing rehabilitation for a long-term injury.
“It was great to come back and get a feel for playing once again. Obviously, having been out for a while, it took a bit of adjusting, but I am happy with the first step and to help the team get a vital win. So, I am just looking to build on that going into the game against TS Galaxy,” he added.
Whether he is being diplomatic or expressing genuine sentiments, Msimango only picks positives about his former side, TS Galaxy.
“One thing I have picked up is that they have speedy wingers that like to take opponents on. They have the youngster [Selukelo] Mahlambi and a good striker in [Victor] Letsoalo,” he declared.
“Defensively, as well, they don’t leak a lot of goals. They play a varied game, so we are not underestimating them at all and expect a real test on Sunday.”
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