Royal AM coach: Too soon to get carried away

Royal AM coach Sazi Ngubane has urged his charges to guard against complacency following their impressive start in the DStv Diski Challenge.

The KwaZulu-Natal outfit are on a 100 per cent winning streak as they top the log with nine points after three matches.

Thwihli Thwahla will now face Sekhukhune United in a top of the table clash at Harry Gwala Stadium on Sunday [10:00].

Sikhukhune and Royal AM are the only two teams in the Diski Challenge that are yet to drop points this season.

"We have to beat them [Sekhukhune] and remain at the top. We are not undermining them at all, but we have to beat them ensure by the time we play the big teams we have gathered enough points," Ngubane vowed.

Ngubane predicted that it will get tough as the season continues, he warned his players to remain grounded. It is still early days.

“For a team that only have 14 Diski Challenge players I think we have done exceptionally well in the opening games,” noted Ngubane.

“However, we cannot get carried away and become big headed think we have arrived. The journey is still long. Things are still going to get tough for us. Remember, the club cannot sign players, and as the season goes, we will experience injuries and suspensions.

Ngubane added: “So it is very important that we remain levelheaded and collect many points as we can so that when the going get tough we will know we have enough points to finish in a respectable position.”

With the club having a thin squad, Ngubane said managing the players would be crucial for them this season.

“It is difficult; the club is banned from signing players. Now, we are using what we have and get few players from the first team when they are not playing. Managing the small group giving them breaks would be very important.

Royal AM cannot sign players due to the Fifa ban imposed on the team.

Fifa slapped the club with a transfer ban after the KwaZulu-Natal side failed to settle a payment of R12 million to Serbian striker Samir Nurkovic.

In other fixtures for Sunday, AmaZulu travel to Western Cape to face Cape Town Spurs at UWC Stadium. SuperSport United host Golden Arrows at TUT Stadium, while Orlando Pirates will be in action against Polokwane City at Rand Stadium.

All matches kick-off at 10:00, CAT.