TS Galaxy pushed Swallows back into the DStv Premiership relegation zone after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Orlando Pirates at the Mbombela Stadium on Monday afternoon.
Sead Ramovic’s side needed a point to move above the Dube Birds but the win provides a massive boost for their survival hopes as they moved from two places up from 15th, ahead of Swallows and Maritzburg United.
Swallows, who face in-form AmaZulu now occupy the relegation play-off spot and Baroka are 16th, six points from safety with four games remaining in the campaign.
Lefa Hlongwane’s goal 11 minutes before the break proved to be the only goal against the Pirates side who’ve scored just one league goal in their last four outings – while dropping further from the CAF inter-club qualification spots they so dearly desire.
The defeat will be a major blow to confidence for the Soweto giants who are set to travel to Libya this week for the 1st leg of their CAF Confederation Cup semi-final against Al Ahli SC while co-coaches Mandla Ncikazi and Faldu Davids will be ruining their lack of cutting edge that’s plagued them for most of the 2021/22 league campaign.
Both have come under increasing pressure for the lack of results of late with Pirates now five points behind second-placed Royal AM and four behind Cape Town City, who both have games in hand over the Buccaneers.
Pirates dominated possession and piled relentless pressure on the Rockets for most of the second half, but it proved futile as some resolute defending and an outstanding performance from 24-year-old goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi proved to be the difference as he held firm making four crucial saves.
