TS Galaxy chairman Tim Sukazi has hit back at critics over the club's 2022 trip to Europe that effectively led to an overseas move for starlet Aphelele Teto.

In December 2022, TS Galaxy embarked on a first-of-a kind European tour for a South Africa club that saw the Rockets spend just over two weeks in Turkey going toe-to-toe with a host of European teams.

However, Sukazi was under fire just months later when multiple reports surfaced, claiming the club was in a financial crisis and that several players and staff had gone over two months without being paid their salaries. Some criticised the club of going to Europe  only to return to financial troubles.

READ | TS Galaxy aiming to leave impression on Turkey mid-season trip

Following the announcement Teto's transfer, who was spotted by Livingston while in Turkey, Sukazi has hit back at critics.

"As the first South African club to hold a training camp in Europe, the jury had been out as to what would be the benefits of such an adventure," Sukazi told the club's media.

"I am happy that our country now realises that such an initiative could give lifetime opportunities to players among other things.

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Club head coach Sead Ramovic also shared Sukazi's sentiments.

"We should also thank our chairman (Sukazi) for taking our club to Europe even when many tried to criticize us for going to Europe," Ramovic added.

"When Livingston people reached out to me to say they would like to have Teto it was not a surprise because he really played well in Turkey."

Teto is expected to be unveiled by Livingston this week and becomes the third high-profile exit at the Rockets' camp following the departures of Given Msimango and Melusi Buthelezi.

Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates have embarked on a pre-season trip of their own to Spain while Sundowns head to the Netherlands.

"I am quite happy now to see two of our sister clubs in Orlando Pirates and Sundowns following in our footsteps by holding training camps in Europe as that will not only benefit their brands but their players as well," Sukazi said.

Galaxy open their 23/24 DStv Premiership campaign with a clash against newly promoted Cape Town Spurs on Sunday, 6 August at Mbombela Stadium.

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