Royal AM can still make top eight says coach

Royal AM coach John Maduka feels his side still a good chance for a top eight finish, despite missing out on a chance on Saturday to move up the DStv Premiership table when they drew 1-1 away at Lamontville Golden Arrows.

An unfortunate own goal from Zukile Mkhize, who later went to hospital after a clash of heads, had Arrows up at the break but Royal AM surged back in the second half to equalise through substitute Khulekani Shezi.

It was only the 11th point they have taken on the road and saw them move up one place to 12th spot in the standings, but had they won they would have gone up to eighth spot, even if for a few hours.

But Royal AM with 29 points are only three behind eighth placed Chippa United.

“If you see the way the log is, it is possible,” said Maduka about a top eight finish.

“It's all up to us. We need to be persistent, take one game at a time, showing that we want to win games,” he added.

“And if we do so, I think we'll give ourselves a chance because if you look at the table there is only a few points difference between the side in fifth place and where we are (in the 12th spot). So it still gives us a chance.”

Royal AM have seven games left in the season, with a home match against Orlando Pirates next up on Sunday, April 28.

“All of them are difficult but this will be particularly tough because they (Pirates) are looking to finish in second position.

“But it is also one of those games where your players are already motivated. It’s like that when you play one of the best but when you play with the ones that are, like, more of your size, you become a little bit more complacent,” said Maduka.

“So I hope that the next game will be a different sort of game. You know, for you to be the best, you must compete with the best,” he added.