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Royal AM out to burst Sekhukhune's bubble

general25 October 2024 09:55| © Backpage TXT
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Royal AM © Gallo Images

Royal AM will be looking to secure their first Betway Premiership win of the campaign when they host Sekhukhune United at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 3:00 pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

Thwihli Thwahla remain winless in the current season having succumbed to a 2-1 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in Wednesday's league encounter and it was also their second defeat in a row.

Royal are currently occupying the ninth spot in the Betway Premiership standings with four points from five matches and a win over Sekhukhune would elevate the KwaZulu-Natal side into the top eight.

Meanwhile, Sekhukhune saw their four-match unbeaten run across all competitions come to an end when they lost 1-0 to Richards Bay in last weekend's Carling Knockout Round of 16 clash, but they remain undefeated in the Betway Premiership.

 

 

Babina Noko are currently placed fourth in the Betway Premiership standings with seven points from three matches and a win over Royal would see the Limpopo outfit climb up into the third spot.

TEAM NEWS

Both Royal and Sekhukhune have no suspension concerns coming into this encounter and they are yet to report injuries in their camps.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Royal AM head coach John Maduka

"I'm proud of the boys, they put in the hard work against Sundowns, and apart from that mistake, we did well. Yes, we didn't get the points we needed but I'm happy with the performance," Maduka said.

"The boys worked hard, so happy with the effort they put in, it's not easy to play against this team, a team that can create chances.

"Our centre-backs, (Sbangani) Zulu and [Ayanda] Jiyani, young boys, marvelous to watch, yes we didn't get the points we wanted but so many positives."

Sekhukhune United head coach Lehlohonolo Seema

“We are disappointed that we are out of this cup [by Richards Bay]. It's the third cup that we are going out early," Seema said.

"That makes it hard for us to see some of the players because in the league you are not playing a lot of matches if you don't have cup games.

“I think it is still a work in progress and once we gel nicely, this team is still going to surprise a lot of people ... and we are looking forward now as we put our focus on the league.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Mfundo Thikazi, Royal AM: The left-footed attacker made an impact after coming on as a substitute - providing an assist for Sbangani Zulu's goal. Thikazi will be hoping to start and help Thwihli Thwahla secure their first win of the season.

Keletso Makgalwa, Sekhukhune United: The diminutive attacker has quickly established himself as Babina Noko's most creative player with two assists in the league. Makgalwa's creativity could be key to Babina Noko's win.

Head-to-Head

ALL LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2021/22 Sekhukhune 1-0 Royal Gyimah

2021/22 Royal 1-0 Sekhukhune Letsoalo

2022/23 Sekhukhune 1-2 Royal Shai; Thikazi 2

2022/23 Royal 2-0 Sekhukhune Matlaba, Gamildien

2023/24 Royal 0-1 Sekhukhune Bwalya

2023/24 Sekhukhune 1-0 Royal Mokhele

LEAGUE RECORD (since 2021/22)

Home

P W D L GF GA

Royal 3 2 0 1 3 1

Sekhukhune 3 2 0 1 3 2

Away

P W D L GF GA

Royal 3 1 0 2 2 3

Sekhukhune 3 1 0 2 1 3

Total

P W D L GF GA

Royal 6 3 0 3 5 4

Sekhukhune 6 3 0 3 4

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