The visitors from Mpumalanga came from behind twice to earn a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Siwelele in an entertaining clash which did leave bough sets of supporters happy with the start.

The Rockets survived an early scare when Neo Mokhachane unleashed a snap shot inside the box, but the effort rolled harmlessly wide after coming off the outside of his boot.

Vincent Pule scored Siwelele's second goal - Morgan Piek

Siwelele eventually broke the deadlock just before the half-hour mark following a costly defensive mistake by the Rockets. Goalkeeper Sipho Maseti’s attempted clearance was charged down by Siphesihle Jeza, with the ball ricocheting into the back of the net to hand the hosts a deserved lead.

Galaxy nearly found an immediate response when former Bloemfontein Celtic striker, Victor Letsoalo, rose highest to meet a corner with a powerful header, but defender Aphiwe Baliti produced a superb goal-line clearance to preserve Siwelele's advantage going into the break.

Galaxy made an attacking change at half-time as coach Bernard Parker withdrew debutant Siyanda Xulu and introduced Junior Zindonga, who previously played his football in Bloemfontein under the banner of the now departed Marumo Gallants.  

The former Bloemfontein Celtic striker, Victor Letsoalo, scored a penalty for the Rockets - Morgan Piek

In search of an equaliser, the substitution paid off almost immediately. Just two minutes after the restart, Shadrack Kobedi handled Zindonga's goal-bound effort inside the area, allowing referee to point to the penalty spot. Letsoalo made no mistake from 12 yards to bring the visitors level.

Siwelele restored their lead in the 55th minute through Vincent Pule. Thabiso Sesane played an incisive pass through the middle, and Pule controlled the ball expertly before calmly slotting his finish into the bottom corner.

The Rockets refused to give in and drew level once again with 20 minutes remaining. Veluyeke Zulu timed his run perfectly to meet a dangerous free-kick at the back post, steering a header into the far corner to make it 2-2.

Veluyeke Zulu exploited poor goalkeeping to score the equaliser for Galaxy in the 70th minute - Morgan Piek

Zulu was fortunate not to endure a costly finish after failing to clear his lines during a frantic goalmouth scramble 10 minutes later. The loose ball fell kindly for Christian Saile, whose spectacular overhead kick crashed against the upright with Galaxy breathing a sigh of relief.

There was still time for late drama in stoppage time as Maseti was shown a straight red card for handling the ball outside his penalty area. Substitute goalkeeper Ira Tape was rushed into action for the closing moments and immediately justified his introduction by producing an excellent save to deny Jordan Marks from the resulting free-kick, ensuring TS Galaxy left with a valuable point.

Siwelele’s next game in on 12 August when they travel to Richards Bay to face the newly promoted Milford FC who kicked-off their PSL chapter with a 2-1 defeat to the champions, Orlando Pirates, in Soweto.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport