Royal AM seek redemption against Polokwane

Royal AM will be determined to redeem themselves when they host Polokwane City in Sunday's DStv Premiership match at the Harry Gwala Stadium.

Kick-off is at 3pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

Thwihli Thwahla are winless in their last two league matches having made it two consecutive defeats when they succumbed to a heavy 3-0 loss to TS Galaxy away on Wednesday.

⚫️🟡𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐓𝐒 𝐀𝐕𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄⚫️🟡

Get tickets online : https://t.co/kJhYji9fHz pic.twitter.com/OBfMt6NfXj

— RoyalAM_FC (@RAMFC_sa) April 5, 2024

Royal AM are occupying the 14th spot in the DStv Premiership standings - nine points above the relegation zone and they will be keen to widen the gap between them and the bottom two spots by securing a win over Polokwane.

Meanwhile, Polokwane are undefeated in their last two league matches having drawn 0-0 with AmaZulu FC away on Tuesday and prior to that, they defeated Chippa United 1-0 at home.

Rise and Shine are occupying 10th spot in the DStv Premiership standings - three points behind seventh-placed TS Galaxy and a victory over Royal AM will see Polokwane climb into the top eight if other results go their way.

TEAM NEWS

Royal AM have no suspension issues coming into this encounter, but Sibusiso Magaqa and Mxolisi Macuphu are both one yellow card away from suspension.

Polokwane also do not have any suspension concerns, but Tholo Matuludi and Manuel Kambala are both one yellow card away from being banned.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Royal AM coach John Maduka:

"All the teams are looking for positive results because it's the second half of the season," Maduka said.

"Everyone knows what they are fighting for. Almost all teams have problems, that's why it's important to pay attention to ours."

Polokwane City coach Phuti Mohafe:

"When you check the kind of the wingers we have had, with the matches we played, this one [against AmaZulu] and the previous match," Mohafe said.

"We opted for wingers who can give us cover in defending, the winger who can go forward and [Oswin] Appollis, sometimes is not giving you that. So, we want to fast-track him to do that."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Kabelo Mahlasela, Royal AM: The experienced attacking midfielder is Thwihli Thwahla's most creative player in the league this season with four assists. Mahlasela's creativity could be key to Royal AM's victory over Rise and Shine.

Ndumiso Mabena, Polokwane: The veteran striker was the hero in the first-round league clash as Rise and Shine defeated Royal AM 1-0 last September. Mabena will be keen to propel Rise and Shine to another win over Thwihli Thwahla.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

ALL LEAGUE RESULTS (top flight only)

Season Result Scorers

2023/24 Polokwane 1-0 Royal Mabena

LEAGUE RECORD (since 2023/24)

Home

P W D L GF GA

Royal 0 0 0 0 0 0

Polokwane 1 1 0 0 1 0

Away

P W D L GF GA

Royal 1 0 0 1 0 1

Polokwane 0 0 0 0 0 0

Total

P W D L GF GA

Royal 1 0 0 1 0 1

Polokwane 1 1 0 0 1 0