DURBAN, January 10 (Absa Premier League) – The league leaders Ajax Cape Town are in town this week, with Thanda Royal Zulu set for a return to action after the Christmas break all fresh and ready to go.
Craig Rosslee’s team have already played one match this year, snatching a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Santos in the Cape derby on Wednesday – the point helping them open a two point lead on top of the Absa Premier League table.
On the other hand, Thanda are yet to taste competitive action in 2009 and coach Roger Palmgren has revealed that the boys are eager to resume after ending 2008 with three wins in their last for games.
“Yeah, everybody is fresh and ready to go after the break,” he said. “Our preparations have gone well so far.
“Everybody is okay and are now on board. We have to make a game plan just like we always do, nothing special, but just like the other games.
“We have to look at ourselves and especially the last four games, which we have obviously played well and had rather good results, hopefully we can continue from there.”
The Swede added that he will give the Telkom Knockout champions the respect they deserve.
“We have full respect for Ajax Cape Town, but no more respect for them than we would have for any other team in the league,” he added.
The Amabhubesi also have one injury absentee, while a bigger blow will be the loss of top-scorer Bernard Parker.
“The only one that is not ready is Bongani (Mbele), our left wing who is injured, unfortunately. And then we’re having Parker suspended for three yellow cards.”
The Cape Town club meanwhile will have Clayton Daniels available again after suspension, with their only absentee being Mfundo Shumana (knee).
Urban Warriors assistant coach Wilfred Mugeyi said: “We are ready to continue our challenge for the title. Our players are firing on all cylinders and the competition for a place in the starting line-up is fiercely contested.
“We are aware of the challenge presented by Thanda and will afford them the proper respect however we are there to get the points to cement or place at the top of the log and will play hard to get them.”