PIC: Adnan Beganovic

TS Galaxy coach Adnan Beganovic is hopeful his side can repeat their 2019 success in the Nedbank Cup when they face Durban City in this year’s final at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on May 2.
Beganovic has guided Galaxy into the decider after wins over Marumo Gallants, Mamelodi Sundowns, Jacksa Spears and Milford FC in this year’s competition.
Since famously winning the Nedbank Cup seven years ago as a second-tier side, Galaxy have established themselves as a topflight team and were losing finalists in the 2023 Carling Knockout decider when they went down on penalties to Stellenbosch FC.
This season represents the opportunity to not only win a second piece of silverware, but also qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup in 2026/27.

What does reaching the Nedbank Cup final mean to you and the club?
Adnan Beganovic: “There are still emotions inside me. I know what we have achieved and what we have in the pocket, a cup final. The Nedbank Cup is a massive competition with so many clubs involved. We have beaten four opponents, all good opponents, and played some beautiful games.”

How important have the supporters been in this cup run?
“Our supporters have supported us in an amazing way and pushed us to have success. From the beginning, from my first press conference, I said I believe we can do something this year in the Nedbank Cup.”

What has been key to TS Galaxy’s progress in the competition?
“We have a great opportunity to write this 2026 season into our history. We put more focus on the competition. We have learnt how to manage games, either in 90 or 120 minutes. We know what we need to do, everything positive.”

Does the chance to win the trophy and qualify for CAF competition add extra motivation?
“We want to have the opportunity to fight for the trophy. In 2019 TS Galaxy had this trophy in the office and so we know the feeling of winning it. If we do that, it is also a beautiful opportunity for us because then next season we will play in the CAF competition. That would be a big thing for the young players and the club.”

You have been in a final before as an assistant coach to Sead Ramovic in 2023. Does that experience help?
“Yes, it’s my second final and we lost the other one on penalties and it was painful because we presented better football on the day. But we kept working and dreaming for another opportunity and we will try our best to take this opportunity and make history again like the team of 2019.”

How do you assess Galaxy’s journey to the final?
“We have luck in the cup, we’ve reached the final, and now it’s a better situation with the cup. Obviously maybe our fans didn’t expect to see us in the final, but we surprised this year. I think we’ve played a beautiful road in the cup, especially at home, and as I said in the beginning, we beat Sundowns and deserved to play at least in the final, so let’s see what can happen.”

You have been on a difficult run in the league, but does this Nedbank Cup run give you confidence?
“We cannot play only one way in the Nedbank Cup and forget about the league. That is not TS Galaxy. The club has a clear structure and clear vision, and we want to follow that vision. Yes, sometimes you can play tough games, it is not just about winning and losing. Always, we need to represent ourselves in a good way and represent our region properly.”