Mamelodi Sundowns captain Themba Zwane has expressed his gratitude to the Premier Soccer League [PSL] for granting the club additional time to conclude their pre-season preparations ahead of their Betway Premiership opener on Tuesday night.
The Brazilians travel to Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday evening for a highly anticipated clash against TS Galaxy in the league.
Sundowns’ initial fixture against Marumo Gallants was postponed to allow last season’s league runners-up to complete their pre-season camp in Austria, following the tragic passing of midfielder Jayden Adams, which halted the club’s initial schedule.
The Chloorkop outfit kicked off their official 2026/27 campaign over the weekend with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Polokwane City FC in the MTN8 quarter-finals at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS CAPTAIN SENDS MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE TO THE LEAGUE
Speaking ahead of their league opener, the veteran playmaker acknowledged the PSL’s support during a difficult period for the club.
“Yeah, just to thank the PSL for giving us the time to finish our pre-season,” said Zwane. “We really appreciate that, so that we can be prepared going into the first game of the league.
THEMBA ZWANE ADMITS TS GALAXY ARE NOT AN EASY SIDE TO FACE
Meanwhile, Sundowns’ last visit to Mpumalanga remains a painful memory after a 3-2 defeat to Galaxy severely dented their title defence chances last term. The 37-year-old skipper admits facing The Rockets on their home turf is always a stern test, but believes the team is tactically ready.
“Obviously the preparations were not that much. But upon arriving in Mpumalanga, we got to watch the TS Galaxy game [against Siwelele FC, their league opener almost a fortnight ago], and we know what to expect,” Zwane explained.
“Especially the game that we played against them last time when we were here [Mbombela Stadium]. So we know what to expect. We know what to do, and I think we are ready as a team.
“To be honest, we have to win against them. Every time we play against them, they give us a tough time. But we know that it’s not going to be easy. We just have to push because we are fighting for three points.”
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