Basic Pleased With Galaxy’s Defensive Mentality In Nedbank Cup Progress

TS Galaxy assistant coach Nermin Basic highlighted defensive improvement and strong mentality as key reasons behind his side’s satisfaction after reaching the semifinals of the Nedbank Cup on Sunday afternoon.

Galaxy secured their place in the last four after defeating third-tier side Jacksa Spears 2-0 in the quarterfinal clash.

The Rockets entered the match looking to tighten up defensively after a mixed run of results in recent fixtures. 

In their previous five matches across all competitions, the Rockets had conceded five goals and managed only two clean sheets against Orbit College, Siwelele, Mamelodi Sundowns, Durban City, and Marumo Gallants.

Following the victory, Basic explained that the clean sheet was the biggest reason for the team’s happiness, particularly after defensive mistakes had been costly in recent matches.

“I think the clean sheet is the one that makes us happier about this victory,” Basic said.

“The clean sheet is what makes us happier because the last five games we had, every time we had something, and something that had to do with huge mistakes. 

“Now we have a clean sheet, and also the most important thing is the mentality that the players showed today (on Sunday).

“When we don’t have the ball, we defend well and don’t struggle, and we don’t complain about struggling at the back now. I think today we were nicer in the defensive department, and that’s what was good for today.”

Despite the comfortable scoreline and keeping a clean sheet against the amateur side, Basic admitted that the encounter was far from easy and credited the lower-division outfit for putting up a strong fight.

“Very, very tough game, I think we played better in the first half than the second half. The second half was very difficult for us because of the wind, but in the end we scored the goals in good time,” he added.

“I think it was a really good time when the game went up and down, we played not so well with the ball. We didn’t create a lot of chances, but what we did well, mentality, I think, we prepared the game well.

“It’s not easy to play against these teams (lower division teams), and I must say, very, very big congratulations to our opponents, they played the first half really well, very compact with good transitions.”

The Rockets, who famously lifted the Nedbank Cup in 2019 while playing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, will now turn their attention to the semifinal draw of the competition.

Basic’s side will learn their next opponents on Monday evening when the draw for the last four is conducted.

Several intriguing possibilities await Galaxy in the semifinals. They could face their neighbors, Casric Stars, who have been one of the tournament’s surprise packages after eliminating Premiership clubs Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu.

Another possible opponent is the Motsepe Foundation Championship side Milford, while the final team that has advanced to the semifinals is Durban City.