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Maduka wants to see less mistakes against Galaxy

athletics27 December 2024 14:30| © Backpage TXT
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John Maduka © Backpage Pix

Royal AM head coach John Maduka has stressed the need to minimise their mistakes as they prepare to host a resurgent TS Galaxy at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Sunday.

Kick-off is at 3.30pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

Thwihli Thwahla were made to pay for lapses in concentration as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to AmaZulu on 13 December which extended their winless streak to four matches.

Maduka's side are languishing down in 14th place in the Betway Premiership after picking up just four points from their last five games to put them level with Richards Bay (15th) on eight points.

The KZN outfit have shipped 11 goals this season, the joint-fourth most in the league, but Maduka believes their fortunes will improve at the back if they can cut out the errors.

Galaxy continue to impress under Adnan Beganovic, who has yet to taste defeat since taking over the reins from Sead Ramovic in early November.

The Rockets were denied back-to-back wins for the first time this term after Kaizer Chiefs scored a last-gasp stoppage-time equaliser to clinch a 1-1 draw on 16 December.

Beganovic has collected eight points from his opening four matches and the Mpumalanga club are unbeaten in five as they look to improve on their position of 11th in the standings.

WHAT WAS SAID

Royal AM head coach John Maduka

"We made too many mistakes in crucial areas and all the chances created by our opponents were due to our lapses. Against a team like AmaZulu, we cannot afford such mistakes. We need to address this, and if we do, it will elevate our game.

"They (Galaxy) are a dynamic and enterprising team capable of causing problems. However, if we minimise our mistakes, we'll be in much better shape to handle them."

TS Galaxy head coach Adnan Beganovic

"Again unlucky, we concede a goal in the last minute but we don't complain. We want to keep going, we want to work like we've worked until now and yes, I know, somewhere we deserve points.

"I want to give all credit to my players. First game, second, third, it's four games in a row we don't lose, and we [are] playing well and I think my players deserve credit."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Royal AM - Mondle Mpoto will want to work on his positioning and decision-making if he hopes to keep Zakahle Ngcobo on the bench. The 26-year-old goalkeeper started the season as second choice to Ngcobo, who suffered an injury against Sekhukhune United on 26 October. Mpoto was caught horribly out of position for Usuthu's first goal and came off his line once more without success for the second, although in fairness he did pull off a few good saves to prevent a hammering.

TS Galaxy - Sphiwe Mahlangu has become an integral part of the team this season, featuring in all 10 games, nine of them as a starter. The 29-year-old winger registered his second assist of the campaign with a brilliant cross from the left byline for Samukelo Kabini to head the Rockets in front against Chiefs but is still searching for his first goal of the campaign.

HEAD-TO-HEAD (Last Five Betway Premiership Meetings)

Matches - 5

Royal AM wins - 2

TS Galaxy wins - 1

Draws - 2

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