The high-flying Royal AM will host Kaizer Chiefs in their 2022/23 DStv Premiership opener on Saturday, with the tie set to take place at the Chatsworth Stadium.
Kick-off is at 5:3pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)
Royal AM recorded a stellar first season in top flight football, finishing third behind Cape Town City and Mamelodi Sundowns, securing CAF Confederations Cup football in the process.
In preparing for the new season, the club flexed their muscles in the current transfer window, making a couple of high profile signings.
Former Chiefs striker Samir Nurkovic was unveiled by the club last month, alongside Ruzaigh Gamildien, Andre De Jong and Ketha Ndlovu.
Speaking about one of the club’s outgoing players, Victor Letsoalo, Royal CEO Sinky Mnisi explained details around his transfer to Sekhukhune United, after he was strongly linked with a move to Chiefs.
It was reported that Mnisi distanced himself from the deal and that it was left in the hands of club owner Shauwn Mkhize.
“On the sale of Mr Letsoalo [there] was mention as if there was a R20m [offer for the player from Chiefs] and I sold him to Sekhukhune [for a much lower amount],’ Mnisi said at a press conference, as per the Sowetan Live.
“Let me put this straight: I, Sinky Mnisi, not on behalf of Royal AM, would never, never at any given time put my [foot] at the doors of Sekhukhune.
“Even if they were to say all the clubs were finished, I would never work for Sekhukhune because they don’t have ethics and morals."
As for Chiefs, the Glamour Boys will be hoping to do better than their fifth place finish in the previous campaign. The club appeared to have played a more fluid model of football under the tutelage of Arthur Zwane, as was subsequently given the head coach role after his interim period.
Much like that of Royal, Chiefs have reinforced their squad with Kamohelo Mahlatsi, Zitha Kwinika, George Matlou, Dillon Solomons, Ashley du Preez, Yusuf Maart and Siyethemba Sithebe coming in as the new set of Glamour Boys.
With the first league game on the horizon, Zwane mentioned that the club have prepared well and that they have been trying out various combinations on the training pitch.
“We have worked on our preparations, but obviously it won’t be easy because all teams want to do well,” Zwane said according to the club’s official website.
“We have looked at different combinations at the back, midfield and attack, and we feel we are ready for action.
"It’s important to start well and work on building on that for the next number of games. We will do our best on Saturday and hope that the Amakhosi supporters that will be in the stadium leave with smiles on their faces."
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Royal AM:
Samir Nurkovic: The Serbian could look to prove a point against his former club after making the switch to the Durban outfit. Nurkovic is known for his robust approach in leading the line, as the Chiefs defenders will be well aware of the physicality he provides.
Ruzaigh Gamildien: Versatility is one of Gamildien’s best attributes, which makes him a difficult customer to deal with. When on form, the former Swallows FC star can be unplayable.
Kaizer Chiefs:
Yusuf Maart: The ex-Sekhukhune United man is known to be one of the PSL’s top upcoming talents and even found himself within the national team fold under coach Hugo Broos. Maart’s ability to dictate matters in the middle of the park could be an asset to Amakhosi this season.
Dillon Solomons: Solomons is deemed to be one of the quickest footballers in South Africa at the moment. With the gas tank to get up and down the right flank, opposition players could have their hands full on the day.