Matchday 7 - preview
Bay United v Thanda Royal Zulu FC
PORT ELIZABETH, November 11 (Absa Premier League) – Thanda Royal Zulu coach Roger Palmgren remains adamant that his team is still on the right track despite four defeats in their last five games.
The Amabhubesi come up against Bay United in their next match on Wednesday and quickly need to turn around their form that has seen them slip to 10th place on the Absa Premier League table.
Defeats to Amazulu, Supersport United, Bidvest Wits and Orlando Pirates in the Telkom Knockout have left the Swede pondering, but he remains confident that our boys can end the slump at the EPRU Stadium.
“We know that we were close to winning all the games that we’ve lost recently,” he said. “So the morale is still very higher, were it should be.
“I haven’t been telling the guys anything different. We’ve been very close in all our games to either getting a point or even winning the games.
“I still believe we are playing good football. In sport, you need something called luck.
“But we still believe and we are working on all aspects of the game including mentality. So we still have full trust in ourselves and what we are doing.”
Assessing their opponents, who beat Mamelodi Sundowns in their last league game, Palmgren added: “We can’t underestimate Bay United, because they showed how difficult they are by beating Sundowns. So it will be difficult, but we will be prepared.”
Watsh’Umlilo, currently 12th in the league and trailing Thanda only on goal-difference, seem to have finally come to terms with their first season in the top-flight.
Vladislav Heric’s men have blown hot and cold so far with wins against Pirates and twice against Sundowns – once in the cup – while they were also crushed 3-0 by both Platinum Stars and Santos.
Communications manager Vuyo Mvoko said: “We always say we take every game seriously, so Thanda is no different from Sundowns, Chiefs or any other team we’ve played so far.
“We know they are good opponents because we don’t believe there are any weak opponents in this league.
“The wins again Sundowns gave us confidence, but that will also put added pressure on the players, because people will look at us the team who beat Sundowns.”
Both sides have no injuries or suspensions to report, with striker Norman Smith (illness) the only one player certain to miss out.