Steve Komphela believes that his side has done all the necessary work to bounce back from their 7-1 defeat against Orlando Pirates last time out in the DStv Premiership when Abafana Bes’thende take on Royal AM at the Mpumalanga Stadium on Saturday.
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Kick-off is at 3pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)
CURRENT FORM
Sitting in ninth position on the table, Arrows struggled to yield positive results in the league since the turn of 2024.
As far as their recent form is concerned, Abafana Bes’thende bagged just two wins in their last five matches, while recording two losses and one draw during this period.
🎙Coach Steve Komphela shares his view on the importance of resilience, and being able to bounce back in tomorrow’s clash against Royal Am
— Lamontville Golden Arrows FC (@goldenarrowsfc1) April 19, 2024
🗓️Sat 20 April 2024
🏟️ Mpumalanga stadium (Hammarsdale)
⏰ 15:00
🎟️ R40 sold @ticketproza outlets
📺 SS PSL#sthendeway #10betgoldenarrows pic.twitter.com/9f8eUGpPXd
Despite jotting down a 3-2 win against Polokwane City last time out, Thwihli Thwahla have likewise shown inconsistent form in their last handful of DStv Premiership fixtures.
After a run of three defeats and two wins in their last five games, Royal AM now find themselves in 13th position on the log.
The previous league fixture between the sides saw Royal AM emerge victorious in a 1-0 win at Harry Gwala Stadium in November with Menzi Masuku getting his name on the scoresheet in the second minute.
WHAT WAS SAID
“The sign of resilience, which football teaches us, we need to bounce back,” Arrows coach Steve Komphela said.
“We have bounced back in a Derby, Royal AM are very aggressive and Maduka is doing a good job at Royal AM.
“They have a lot of good players as well so we’ll have to be out there, not only to redeem ourselves but to stay true to our process
“To win 3-2 against tricky customers like Polokwane City was not easy. Also to be victorious in front of our fans at home was good and encouraging,” Royal AM coach John Maduka mentioned.
⚫️🟡 Action from 18 hrs ago in Harry Gwala Stadium. #royalam #thwihlithwahla pic.twitter.com/uCN56svjFI
— RoyalAM_FC (@RAMFC_sa) April 8, 2024
“We need to carry on winning as a team and that positive winning mentality is very important.
“It will be very tricky and tough to play Arrows.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Golden Arrows: Lungelo Mutizwa – The attacker has been one of Arrows' best players this season and is currently the club’s top scorer with six efforts to his name.
As an experienced campaigner, the 30-year-old will no doubt be tasked to produce the goods during a sticky spell of the campaign.
Royal AM: Sedwyn Goerge - In facing a side that struggled defensively in recent weeks, George’s presence and energy in the final third could be one of Royal AM’s best attacking weapons this weekend.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Last five league games
2021/22 Royal AM 0-0 Golden Arrows
2021/22 Golden Arrows 2-2 Royal AM
2022/23 Royal AM 3-1 Golden Arrows
2022/23 Golden Arrows 1-2 Royal AM
2023/24 Royal AM 1-0 Golden Arrows