Royal expect ‘tough’ SSU encounter

Royal AM head coach John Maduka believes that SuperSport United will be desperate for a victory when the two sides lock horns in the Betway Premiership at the TUT Stadium on Saturday evening.

Kick-off is at 5:30pm (CAT, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

SuperSport commenced their 2024/25 League campaign in the toughest way possible after suffering a 2-0 defeat against reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday evening.

A classy Sundowns often dominated long periods of the encounter, as goals by Iqraam Rayners and Lucas Ribeiro were enough for the Brazilians to bag all three points in the Tshwane Derby.

Thwihli Thwahla on the other hand, managed to take home a point in their initial Betway Premiership fixture, following a 1-1 draw with Cape Town City at the Harry Gwala Stadium last Saturday.

After conceding in the 8th minute of the encounter, after Namibian youngster Prins Tijueza opened the scoring in Pietermaritzburg, second-half substitute Motebang Sera grabbed the equalizing goal five minutes from time.

WHAT WAS SAID

SSU coach Gavin Hunt, who was suspended for the tie against Sundowns, spoke glowingly of his side’s performance despite the defeat.

"I thought we did extremely well (against Sundowns), barring one slip here and there, but I mean, I don't think – our goalkeeper made one save, but it was sort of routine stuff,” Hunt said.

Royal AM coach John Maduka has expressed that SuperSport will come as ‘tough’ opposition this weekend and that the Tshwane side will be desperate to record maximum points.

“Starting on a positive note in the new season is very important. We are also aware that playing SuperSport United at home won’t be easy

“We are expecting them to be tough and desperate for a win. Also, to play or to honour two fixtures in a short space of time is a tough task, but we need to be brave mentally and physically.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

SuperSport United: Vincent Pule – Still finding his feet at SuperSport United, Pule will once again aim to impress against Royal AM this weekend. As a direct player, Royal AM will have to be at their defensive best should Pule be given the nod, given his ability to stretch teams in wide areas of the pitch.

Royal AM: Motebang Sera – Sera, who came on for Royal AM chairman Andile Mpisane in their 1-1 draw with Cape Town City last time out, scored the equalizing goal for his side at the Harry Gwala Stadium. After opening his account for the season, Sera will no doubt look to make the difference for Royal AM yet again this weekend.  

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Last five league results:

2021/22 SuperSport United 0-2 Royal AM

2022/23 SuperSport United 3-1 Royal AM

2022/23 Royal AM 1-1 SuperSport United

2023/24 SuperSport United 3-1 Royal AM

2023/24 Royal AM 0-1 SuperSport United