Royal AM aim to end Sundowns' invincible bid

Royal AM will be looking to end Mamelodi Sundowns' invincible bid when they meet in Tuesday's DStv Premiership match at the Harry Gwala Stadium.

Kick-off is at 7:30pm CAT (SA, GMT +2).

CURRENT FORM

Thwihli Thwahla stretched their winless run to five matches in the league when they succumbed to a 1-0 loss to Sundowns away on Saturday and it was their fourth success defeat.

Royal AM are placed 14th in the DStv Premiership standings - two points above the relegation playoff spot (15th) which is currently occupied by Richards Bay, but Thwihli Thwahla have a game in hand.

Meanwhile, Sundowns extended their unbeaten run to 50 matches in the league and they are looking to become the first team to go the entire season without losing a game in the PSL era.

Masandawana were crowned DStv Premiership champions with six matches to spare earlier this month and they have set sights on breaking several records by winning their last three matches.

⚫️🟡𝐍𝐄𝐗𝐓 𝐔𝐏⚫️🟡

🆚 @Masandawana
🗓️ 14 May
⏰ 7:30PM
🏟️ Harry Gwala Stadium
🏆 @DSTVPremiership
📺 Dstv

Purchase your ticket today at any Spar or BP petrol station nationwide.https://t.co/791SmeZkrY pic.twitter.com/Oo9bGA5O2l
— RoyalAM_FC (@RAMFC_sa) May 13, 2024

TEAM NEWS

Royal AM have no suspension concerns and the KwaZulu-Natal side are yet to report injuries in their camp.

Sundowns, on the other hand, will be without the suspended Mosa Lebusa, while Themba Zwane was added to the club's ever-growing injury list ahead of the clash with Royal AM.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Royal AM head coach John Maduka

“We had a couple of breaks that if we were clinical enough, I think a bit calm we could maybe score a goal," Maduka said.

"But unfortunately, it didn’t happen but the boys worked so hard until that moment we lost concentration. It’s still a lot, it’s still a lot. At this time of the season, players are tired, their bodies are tired so you have to make sure that you motivate them again if you have a thin squad you have to use the players again.

"It’s not easy but we will continue fighting."

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rhulani Mokwena

“I tell them I want more and they look at me like I’m crazy, but I want more passes. I want them to rest more and recover,” Mokwena said.

“I want them to train better, watch their matches, and do more corrections. I want them to want better performances from themselves. I want them to expect more from each other on the pitch and off the pitch. We also play with so much control and my worst feeling is when we play and there is no control.

"Control means boxes are secured. A lot of credit needs to go to these boys because we rotate.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Mfundo Thikazi, Royal AM: The left-footed attacker possesses silky skills and explosive speed that can unlock the opposition's defence. Thikazi could be key to Thwihli Thwahla's win over Masandawana.

Peter Shalulile, Sundowns: The experienced striker scored the only goal of the match as Masandawana defeated Royal AM and he will be looking to inspire the Tshwane giants to another victory in Pietermaritzburg.