Galaxy coach Adnan Beganovic acknowledges Kaizer Chiefs are a different beast this season

TS Galaxy coach Adnan Beganovic has acknowledged the improved quality of this season’s Kaizer Chiefs side compared to the one his team faced last year.

The two sides played to a goalless draw in their final Betway Premiership clash of the calendar year on Sunday afternoon at Mbombela Stadium, though Chiefs’ dominance throughout the match was clear.

Beganovic admitted that defending against a Chiefs team that has made significant strides this season was increasingly challenging.

“We knew when we prepared for this game that Kaizer Chiefs are not like last year; they’re much, much better. They play better football, controlling the ball with so many players on it. It’s tough to handle everything,” he reflected after the game.

The Soweto giants, bolstered by the arrival of three new strikers this season, showcased an attacking flair that kept Galaxy’s defence constantly on alert. Beganovic noted: “Players like Mayo moving between the lines make it difficult to defend against Kaizer Chiefs now. But we were fortunate to manage the first half well.”

He shifted his approach in the second half, aiming to exploit the space behind Chiefs’ defensive line with long balls.

Despite being outplayed for large portions of the match, Galaxy managed to secure a valuable point.

“I think now we can be happy to go home with 21 points,” Beganovic said, celebrating what he described as the best half-season in the club’s history. “We can be proud of all the games we have played this season.”

The draw places Galaxy just three points behind Chiefs after 13 league matches, keeping their hopes alive in a tightly contested competition.

As 2025 comes to an end, Beganovic expressed pride in his team’s performance and resilience.

“Also, I think fans can enjoy watching on TV how we play, presenting South African football well. In the end, I think it’s fair to share one point,” he concluded, content with the outcome of the encounter.