Rulani Mokwena reminds Sundowns why Galaxy beat them

Galaxy survived relegation in 13th place in 2021-22 and, after beating Downs 1-0 in their second game of this season in August, their struggles have resumed as they have only won two more games.

Mokwena, though, cautioned that Galaxy remain a tightly-organised outfit under German coach Sead Ramović, evidenced by Galaxy having only conceded more than a goal twice, both times 2-0 (against Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs), even as results have not gone their way.

“It’s a difficult team. They’re well coached. I watched them [in their 1-0 defeat away to Cape Town City on Friday]. And you can see why they beat us,” Downs' coach said.

“We’re not motivated by revenge but by trying to win every single match and that’s what we will try to do when we travel to Mpumalanga.”

The big gap in the league can be an advantage for Downs as they prepare to enter the Caf Champions League group stages next month, where their schedule becomes that much more punishing.

“With a gap or without a gap, with two points or a point, nothing changes — the mandate would always be win the next match and that’s what we’re focused on because nothing changes,” Mokwena said.

Downs follow their match against Galaxy with their meeting against fifth-placed Sekhukhune United at Loftus on Saturday.