WITBANK, May 30 (Absa Premier League) – Thanda Royal Zulu coach Mlungisi Ngubane is targeting nothing less than victory in the first leg of their relegation play-off final against Mpumalanga Black Aces in Witbank on Sunday.
The Amabhubesi scraped into the final after they managed a 1-1 draw at FC Cape Town in the semi-final, booking their progress via the away goals rule.
That was on Thursday night and now with just 180 minutes now separating them from retaining their Absa Premier League status, the boss is hoping for one final push from his troops.
“Whether we have an away goal or no away goal, I think it’s important to win both games,” he said. “The boys are geed up.
“We knew from the beginning that there will be no time to prepare for this game. I’m sure mentally the guys will be ready, physically all the guys are fit and ready to go.
“We’ve been working hard on training.”
Japie Motale will be only the absentee for our boys, but Ngubane believes the rest of his team have enough quality to stay in the top-flight league.
He added: “Every team has a chance, because they are there because they deserve to be there. We are expecting very tough game.
“But our guys, if they double the effort and with the PSL experience that they have, I’m sure we can come through.”
Their opponents Amazayoni qualified for the final courtesy of victory over First Division Coastal Stream champions Carara Kicks and communications manager Thabo Moroape knows that Thanda will not relinquish their higher league status easily.
He said: “Our promotional hopes are still alive. We are aware that Thanda Royal Zulu will not be an easy team to beat, but we will make sure that we score enough goals in the first leg. Our approach is simple, win, win, and win. It won’t be easy.
“We must make sure that we win both legs and hope Thanda Royal Zulu loses focus somewhere.
“It’s the fighting spirit that will help us overcome the tough match that lies ahead.”