Former TS Galaxy defender Austin Dube, now playing for Richards Bay, has rekindled memories of the team’s stunning 1-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in the 2019 Nedbank Cup final.
The win stands as a significant underdog story in South African football history.
A Soweto Giant Falls
Kaizer Chiefs, boasting a passionate fanbase and a long history of success, entered the final as heavy favorites.
They were desperate to end a four-year trophy drought, adding further pressure to the match.
TS Galaxy, on the other hand, hailed from the Motsepe Foundation Championship, then the second tier of South African football (now known as the GladAfrica Championship).
They were considered rank outsiders.
However, defying all odds, TS Galaxy produced a defensive masterclass, shutting out the Soweto giants for the entire match.
A late penalty by Zakhele Lepasa sent the underdogs into raptures and etched their names in Nedbank Cup history.
They became the first team from the lower division to lift the prestigious trophy.
Belief Beyond the Underdog Label
Dube, a vital cog in the Galaxy defense that frustrated Kaizer Chiefs’ attack, sheds light on the team’s mindset leading up to the final.
While the result surprised many football fans, Dube reveals a sense of quiet confidence within the TS Galaxy camp.
Dube Emphasizes Consistent Performances
“We weren’t surprised by the win,” Dube said in a recent interview with FARPost.
“We looked at how we got to the final.
We were doing well, and we didn’t get there by fluke.”
Dube highlights the team’s consistent performances throughout the Nedbank Cup knockout stages.
Each victory over higher-ranked opponents served as a confidence booster, building momentum as they progressed deeper into the tournament.
Reaching the final itself was a monumental achievement for the club, but they weren’t content with just an appearance.
Dube goes on to explain that the pressure of the final was somewhat alleviated by the unexpected nature of their journey.
Having already surpassed expectations, they entered the match with a sense of liberation, allowing them to play with freedom and ultimately secure a historic victory.
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