Royal AM will renew their rivalry with Richards Bay in Sunday's DStv Premiership match at the Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg.
Kick-off is at 3:30 pm CAT.
CURRENT FORM
Thwihli Thwahla have been inconsistent in the DStv Premiership lately having claimed a 2-1 win over Cape Town Spurs in their most recent game on November 25 following two defeats and a victory.
Royal AM are occupying the 14th spot on the league standings - four points above the relegation zone and a win over Richards Bay would see the Thwihli Thwahla move further away from the bottom two spots.
Meanwhile, Richards Bay are winless in their last two matches across all competitions including last weekend's 3-0 loss to Stellenbosch FC on December 2 in the Carling Knockout semifinal clash.
The Natal Rich Boys find themselves placed 15th on the DStv Premiership standings - seven points above 16-placed Cape Town Spurs and a win over Royal AM would ease Richards Bay's relegation concerns.
TEAM NEWS
Both teams have no suspension concerns and they are yet to report any injuries coming into their KwaZulu-Natal Derby clash.
WHAT WAS SAID?
Royal AM captain Samuel Manganyi
“It’s going to be a difficult one because you know a KZN derby is always difficult whether you are in form or not and the fact that both teams need the three points,” Manganyi said.
“You can see at the moment where we are in the log standings. It is not good. So, it is going to be a difficult game. Since the Motsepe Foundation Championship days, there has been a rivalry between the two.
"We just need to get there and work hard and if we can keep on doing that, we can do better actually.”
Richards Bay head coach Kaitano Tembo
"When we started with Justice didn't hold up the ball for us to allow the other players to join in which was always difficult," Tembo said.
"But I think Stellenbosch deserves it. They are a well-drilled team. They believe in what they do and they continue doing that consistently and it always worked for them.
"It depends what it could do to the team, to the players. It depends on how we are gonna take it as a team. I think we need to dust ourselves and focus. Our best was to reach this stage but our main focus now should be the league."
Royal AM: PLAYERS TO WATCH
Kabelo Mahlasela: The skillful attacking midfielder remains one of Royal AM's key players having provided three assists in the league and his creativity could be key to Thwihli Thwahla's win in the KZN Derby.
Menzi Masuku: The experienced attacker is becoming a reliable goalscorer having netted for John Maduka's side in wins over Golden Arrows and Cape Town Spurs. Masuku will be confident of scoring against Richards Bay.
Richards Bay: PLAYERS TO WATCH
Sanele Barns: The quick attacker is the Richards Bay player with the most goal contributions (two goals and one assist) in the league this season. His speed and trickery are likely to unsettle the Royal AM defence.
Yanela Mbuthuma: The promising striker grabbed an assist the last time the Natal Rich Boys won a league game - defeating Spurs on November 12 and he will be keen to help his side grab the KZN Derby bragging rights.