Royal AM head coach John Maduka is looking to capitalise on any potential slip-ups from their rivals as they attempt to sneak into the top eight against Richards Bay at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday.
Kick-off is at 3pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)
Thwihli Thwahla have an outside chance of qualifying for the MTN8, although they need other results to go their way in a bid to finish in the top half of the table.
A 1-0 defeat to Swallows at the Chatsworth Stadium last Saturday left Maduka's side without a win in their last four games and three points adrift of a handful of clubs in 11th place.
Stellenbosch (6th), Sekhukhune United (7th), Golden Arrows (8th) and the Dube Birds (9th) are all tied on 37 points, while TS Galaxy (10th) also find themselves in the mix a further point back.
Maduka admits it is tough to predict who will make the top eight but is hoping to throw Royal AM's name in the hat by beating the league's most out-of-form team in Durban.
"The points the way they are, it's very, very difficult to tell. You cannot just think that you are in the top eight then you relax, we still have to win the next game," he said.
Final push on the 2022/23 season.
— RoyalAM_FC (@RAMFC_sa) May 18, 2023
????Next Game ????
?? Derby Match
?? @richardsbayfc_
??? king Zwelithini Stadium
??? 20 May
? 15:00
?? @dstvpremiershipp #royalam #thwihlithwahla pic.twitter.com/fKDYgMzqOM
The Natal Rich Boyz have plummeted down the table in the new year after challenging for a top-two finish at the end of 2022.
Vasili Manousakis' team last tasted victory against Marumo Gallants on 14 January, with a 2-0 defeat to Cape Town City at Athlone Stadium last weekend extending their winless streak to 13 games.
The 2021-22 National First Division champions are set to survive by the skin of their teeth, however, as they are three points clear of rock-bottom Chippa United with a superior goal difference in 13th spot.
Maritzburg United drew 1-1 with Mamelodi Sundowns on Tuesday to complete their campaign on 30 points, one ahead of Gallants (15th) and the Chilli Boys.
Richards Bay assistant coach Ronnie Gabriel believes their situation could have been very different come the end of the season had the players been more clinical in front of goal, with their return of 20 from 29 matches the lowest tally in the league.
"That has been the story of our season, week in and week out we've been creating numerous goal-scoring chances and it's just that extra quality in the final third that could have earned us extra points this season," Gabriel said.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Richards Bay
Sanele Barns: The 26-year-old winger has caught the eye on his return to the DStv Premiership this season, being a general thorn in the side for defenders across the country guarding their left flank. Barns registered his fourth goal of the season in the recent 1-1 draw with Maritzburg, while he provided two assists in the 3-2 defeat to Chippa.
Somila Ntsundwana: The 26-year-old striker has been one of those guilty of failing to take their chances this term, although he did manage to end a 13-game barren spell with a goal against the Chilli Boys, which was his fourth of the campaign. Ntsundwana has been a regular start for Richards Bay in 2022-23, missing just two of their 29 games.
Royal AM
Mfundo Thikazi: The 23-year-old winger is steadily becoming more influential for Royal AM, although most of his 22 appearances have come off the bench this season. Thikazi's goal against Marumo Gallants 5 April saw him become the club's top scorer, surpassing the five of Ruzaigh Gamildien.
Mondle Mpoto: The 24-year-old goalkeeper will need to be at his best in the KZN derby after experiencing a few nervy moments against Orlando Pirates recently. Mpoto was quickly off his line to put off Deon Hotto, who blazed over under pressure, and made two brave saves in quick succession to deny the Namibian and Fortune Makaringe, although he almost gifted the Buccaneers a goal when the ball slipped out of his gloves as he attempted to launch a quick counter with a throw-out.