As the battle for a place in the top eight of the DStv Premiership continues, Royal AM will welcome Swallows FC to the Chatsworth Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Kick-off is at 3pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)
With two games left to play, Royal AM currently occupy 8th spot in the DStv Premiership, level on points with Swallows (34), who are in 10th position.
Royal AM go into their next game on the back of a 1-1 stalemate against Orlando Pirates and have picked up just one win in their last five DStv Premiership fixtures.
During this period, Royal AM recorded losses against Marumo Gallants and Cape Town City, while sharing the spoils with TS Galaxy and Pirates. As the home side, Royal have won just six matches on their own patch through the entire 2022/23 league season.
Speaking after their 1-1 draw with the Bucaneers, coach John Maduka praised Happy Jele’s influence on the team, given his vast amount of PSL experience.
“You need players that have got the experience and us introducing Happy, he is a leader,” Maduka said.
“In the field of play he organises, he doesn’t just play, but also organises the other players to make sure they are in good positions
“It gives confidence, the young Sikakane playing alongside Happy, it’s a good thing for him.
“It gives him confidence to do well.”
The Dube Birds, on the other hand, go into their next game on the back of two consecutive victories in the DStv Premiership.
In facing tough opposition in the form of Maritzburg United and Kaizer Chiefs, Swallows jumped into the top half of the table following the respective victories.
Overall, Swallows recorded three wins, one draw and the single stalemate in their last five league matches. Also, the Dube Birds have been decent as the away side in the last couple of months, picking up three victories and two losses in the last handful of games on their travels.
Reflecting after Swallow's recent 2-1 win over Amakhosi, coach Musa Nyatama praised his side’s character while sticking to their game plan.
“I must say, it was a game of two halves, but also happy with the three points for the boys. You know, the boys showed character and they stuck to the plan,’ Nyamtama said.
“We were saying, ‘let’s deny them the space behind us,’ and you could see how we were moving.
“We kept the shape very well with Kwanda [Mngonyama] and Keagan [Allan], unfortunately Keagan had to come out in the last minute.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Royal AM:
Happy Jele: In receiving praise from Maduka, Jele will no doubt be a crucial component to the Royal AM defence in their pursuit of a top eight finish. While Jele’s best years may be beyond him, the lanky defender remains an astute reader of the game.
Thabo Matlaba: Much like that of Jele, Matlaba’s experience will come in handy in keeping a spirited Swallows side at bay. Also, Matlaba’s zest for getting in advanced positions will no doubt help Royal AM in the final third.
Swallows FC:
Kwanda Mngonyama: In facing the likes of Chiefs and Martizburg recently, Mngonyama’s presence in defence helped the Dube Birds get over the line in their previous two league encounters. Forming a solid partnership alongside Keegan Allan, Mngonyama will be tasked to guide his team from the back against Royal AM.
Gregory Damons: Predominantly used in wide areas this season, Damons’s energy could be a problem against Royal, who often play a high defensive line. Damons got his name on the scoresheet in their most recent encounter and will head into the next game with a timely confidence booster.