Royal, Sekhukhune in top-eight battle

Royal AM will play host to Sekhukhune United at the Chatsworth Stadium as they resume their ?2021-22? DStv Premiership campaign on Tuesday.

* Get DStv or Showmax Pro to watch all the action live.

Kick-off is at 5:30 pm CAT.

Thwihli Thwahla bounced back to winning ways when they edged out Cape Town City 2-1 in the Nedbank Cup encounter over the weekend with Lantshene Phalane grabbing the winning goal.

Prior to their match, Royal had lost 1-0 to Baroka FC in the DStv Premiership clash two months ago and they are currently placed seventh on the league standings - three points behind third-placed Stellenbisch FC.

Despite the win over City, Royal head coach John Maduka was unhappy with his side's performance and he will be hoping for an improved display when they face Sekhukhune.

“Look it was a very difficult game. Again, the weather made it difficult for us. It did not make things easy for the players," Maduka said.

"We started the game very slow. We allowed City to come into those dangerous areas - they are a very dangerous side once they are in the final third. They will punish you. I was not happy about that.

"However, we are happy to be in the Last 16. We are taking it one game at a time. We are looking forward to the draw."

Meanwhile, Sekhukhune stretched their winless run to five games across all competitions when they lost 3-2 to GladAfrica Championship side Platinum City Rovers on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the Nedbank Cup clash on Saturday.

Babina Noko find themselves placed eighth on the DStv Premiership standings - three points behind fourth-placed Kaizer Chiefs and they will be keen to consolidate their spot in the top half with a win over Royal.

MacDonald Makhubedu, the Sekhukhune head coach, was disappointed with how his team played against Rovers, but he promised that Babina Noko will work hard when they take on Thwihli Thwahla.

"It was a bad game, we undermined our opposition, they took their chance in the last minute. We missed our chances in the first-half. We were just too casual," Makhubedu said.

"Even with our penalty takers, the strikers couldn't take penalties, so what do you expect. You have the defenders taking the penalties, our goalscorers refused to take penalties.

"Something is wrong, but we will keep on working hard especially in the next game. But I am very disappointed with the result."

Royal AM: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Thabo Matlaba: The experienced full-back produced a Man of the Match performance against City in what was his official debut for Thwihli Thwahla and he will be hoping to replicate the same form in the league encounter.

Latshane Phalane: The 32-year-old midfielder, who is blessed with a special left foot, was the hero against City as he scored the winning goal and he will be looking to play a vital role in helping Thwihli Thwahla claim another victory.

Sekhukhune United: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Yusuf Maart: The Sekhukhune captain and midfielder is one of the team's most influential players and he was on the score sheet against Rovers. Maart will be determined to lead his side to a much-needed win in Durban.

Chibuike Ohizu: The Nigerian marksman is Babina Noko's top scorer in the league with five goals. Ohizu will be under pressure to score and inspire the team to a win with Makhubedu having slammed the club's strikers after the clash against Rovers.