Sukazi: Rockets Fly-We Don't Bus Our Ladies

By Malose Wa Ga Lamola 

TS Galaxy owners, Tim and Dudu Sukazi, attending The Rockets match.

Tim Sukazi, Chairman of TS Galaxy, discusses the company's goals and operations in Mpumalanga-based club.

Talking with SABC presenter and Radio 2000 Game. Sukazi told anchor Thabiso Mosia that TS Galaxy Queens is a well-managed club. The former football agent applauds his wife, Rockets chairlady Dudu Sukazi, for her efforts to keep the women's team competitive. Sukazi added that TS Galaxy Queens players are well compensated despite a shoestring grant from the South African Football Association (SAFA).

Related Article: This Isn't About Big Names

Sukazi embraces his wife for taking such good care of the ladies. According to the Kwa-Ndebele-born football administrator, Duduzile Sukazi has worked hard to ensure that TS Galaxy Queens are one of the most established teams. The former football player's agent insists that his spouse is a teachable student of the game, and that spending time with him has rubbed off on her as she makes her way into the football world.

"She's spent a lot of time with me. She has become well-versed in seeing players, the football environment, and everything. She played an important role, to be honest. However, she has still assigned me the task of assembling the team. That is something I have done since the beginning and continue to do." Sukazi applauds. 

Sukazi informed the public broadcaster that the TS Galaxy Queens players have been on the team's payroll since its inception. Sukazi says the club manages to sustain the women's team despite having a small budget and receiving only R130 000 from the football mother body for nine months. The Kwa-Ndebele football administrator believes that The Rockets belong in the air, and the club always flies the girls to away games. TS Galaxy has attracted marquee players into their roster, beefing up their squad to remain competitive.

"Our female players have been salaried since inception. Even though there are no funds. All we get from SAFA is about 130k for nine months. But we try; we don't bus our players; they fly everywhere. That's why we can attract the likes of Refiloe Jane, Leandra Smeda, and Dineo Magagula," said Sukazi. 

Though many clubs are unable to foot their bills and compete in the market, the Rockets have been one to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, defeating the Dr. Patrice Motsepe-owned side in acquiring Banyana Banyana captain Refiloe Jane. Sukazi laments the grant money, but is pleased that his team was able to sign one of the league's top players.

Even the 130k that we get is not enough if you consider the costs of what we have to spend on. But we are happy that we can maintain the Queens just like the boys. The big-name players also help boost the brand and image of the club. We are fortunate to have a Banyana captain”

@Lamola_Herold