Matchday 5 - preview
Golden Arrows v Thanda Royal Zulu FC
DURBAN, October 28 (Absa Premier League) – Thanda Royal Zulu head into their Absa Premier League match against Golden Arrows on Wednesday keen to end a run of three losses that has stifled what was a good start to the new season.
Roger Palmgren’s team began the campaign with back-to-back wins, but league defeats to Amazulu and Supersport United, added to their Telkom Knockout exit at the hands of Orlando Pirates at the weekend has left the Amabhubesi with plenty to think about.
However, assistant coach Johan Eriksson is showing no sign of concern ahead of the clash against the high-flying Arrows at the King Zwelithini Stadium, and has instead called on our players to maintain the level of performance displayed in the previous weeks.
“The difference between winning and losing is sometimes very small,” he said. “I don’t think we played well in the Amazulu game, but then against Supersport they had a free-kick in overtime which was frustrating.
“And even though we lost against them, we didn’t play any worse than them. Against Pirates, both sides were very even and were unlucky to lose.
“Even though we’ve been losing, we’re playing okay, but we need to do more as it’s never nice to lose.”
Assessing their opponents, who have put eight goals past two of the country’s top teams Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs in their last two games, Eriksson pointed out that he has always rated them.
He added: “Arrows for me have always been one of the best playing football teams in South Africa and I have very high respect for them.
“But we know them well being a Durban team, so hopefully we can dig deep down and come up with a strong performance.”
Thanda have been boosted with news that Japie Motale, Peter Ndlovu, Norman Smith and Katlego Loke are all back to full fitness, with only Bongani Mbele (muscle) missing.
Meanwhile, Abafana Bes’thende coach Manqoba Mngqithi has a full squad to choose from with long-term absentee Papi Zothwane (knee) still unavailable.
Striker Abia Nale has called on his team-mates to build on their current third place in the league and deliver against Thanda.
He said: “We have to continue with what we started. In other words we have set ourselves high standards and we have to live with those standards.
“They (Thanda) have been playing very well this season and has improved a lot from last season and we will give them the respect they deserve as a team.
“However, we have beaten the big three and we have to prove it against Thanda Royal Zulu that it was no fluke.”