Royal AM aim for CAF CL spot ahead of Bucs clash

Royal AM will seek a CAF Champions League spot when they close their DStv Premiership campaign in hosting Orlando Pirates at the Chatsworth Stadium on Friday evening.

Kick-off is at 7:30pm CAT live on SuperSport.

In what was a high flying 2021/22 season for Royal AM, the club could qualify for the CAF Champions League or Confederations Cup group stages should they beat Pirates in their final league encounter.

Royal AM are currently in 5th position, one point off Stellenbosch who occupy the CAF Confederations spot. Also, coach John Maduka’s side are three points behind Cape Town City who are in the CAF Champions League placing.

Considering Royal AM’s superior goal difference to both the Cape sides, three points could well see themselves play continental football next season.

After Royal AM’s 3-2 loss to Champions Mamelodi Sundowns, Maduka spoke of their CAF football dream and that there is a chance for the club to accomplish their goal.

"We still have a chance, this what God provided for us, this game of course we wanted to win,” said Maduka after the game.

"In as much as we wanted to win it didn't happen, we have another chance.

"We must make sure we grab with both hands, we're going to play against another very difficult team, it's not going to be easy, it's very important for us to play throughout the match.

Breathing down the neck of Royal AM, Pirates are likewise in the running for CAF competition football. The Soweto giants have two games in hand and are six points away from the champions league spot, while having an identical goal difference to that of Cape Town City.

Pirates responded to their CAF Confederations Cup final defeat by sweeping Maritzburg United aside in a 4-1 win at the Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night.

Their victory against the Team of Choice was only the second time they collected maximum points in their last five DStv Premiership games.

After putting in a Man of the Match performance, Thembinkosi Lorch spoke about fatigue and also, the tough task of facing Royal AM in KwaZulu-Natal.

"It wasn't an easy game and you can see the body is tired from the final,” said Lorch after the game.

"But the most important thing is that we won the game, we created a lot of chances and we converted them.

"We need to push, there's nothing much that we can do, we need to push and get maximum points, which we got today, so the focus is on the next game to KZN, it's going to be a tough game, so we need to prepare ourselves."

Royal AM: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Victor Letsoalo: The 29-year-old has been one of the club’s best players this season, scoring 14 goals in the DStv Premiership. Letsoalo managed to find the back of the net against Mamelodi Sundowns in their most recent fixture.

Mxolisi Machupu: With five goals to his name, Machupu is Royal AM’s second top scorer this season. Along with Letsoalo, Machupu could be a handful for the Pirates back-line.

Orlando Pirates: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Thembinkosi Lorch: The skilful midfielder has been in fine form for Pirates in recent weeks, picking Man of the Match awards in his last two appearances. Lorch will no doubt be a threat against Royal AM, given his ability to unlock defences.

Kwame Peprah: The 21-year-old has been a shining light for the Buccaneers this season and was recently nominated for the Young Player of the Season award. The Ghanaian got his name on the scoresheet against Maritzburg and will look to add to his tally (6) against Royal AM.