Matchday 16 - Preview
Thanda Royal Zulu - Kaizer Chiefs
DURBAN, January 17 (Absa Premier League) – Thanda Royal Zulu assistant Johan Eriksson insists that his side need no motivation ahead of their Absa Premier League tie against Kaizer Chiefs on Sunday.
The Amabhubesi lost their opening game of 2009 last week when they slipped to a 1-0 loss at home to league leaders Ajax Cape Town and will be eager to find the form that helped them win three out of four matches at the back end of last year.
And coach Roger Palmgren’s number two believes the boys now have the perfect stage to bounce back from that defeat.
“We didn’t get the desired result in our opening game, yes, but the performance was all there,” said Eriksson. “We have a good chance to redeem ourselves this week.
“We’re playing a big team like Kaizer Chiefs, so that is motivation enough for the players. Everybody wants to play and there is lots of competition for places. The game is on television, against good opposition and so yeah, we’ll be up for it.”
Thanda are set to be boosted by the return of captain Bernard Parker – the striker netted a brace in a 2-1 win over Chiefs when the two sides met in the first round – while the only player definitely missing is Bongani Mbele. New signing Phil Evans could also slot straight into the back four at the Absa Stadium after completing his move from Bidvest Wits.
Eriksson added: “Parker is out of suspension, so he should be here and that could be a welcome boost for us.
“Look, everybody knows what we’re up against and so everybody is ready for it. The fact that we’re playing against big team is an added bonus for us because it means that all the players are going to be highly motivated.”
While Thanda have gained a player ahead of the game, Muhsin Ertugral’s men have lost one in influential midfielder Gert Schalkwyk, who has joined Bloemfontein Celtic on loan.
Nonetheless, the Chiefs boss could hand Abia Nale a second start since his signing from Golden Arrows with in-form Ibe Ogbonna also expected to cause Palmgren’s team plenty of problems.
Chiefs are also brimming with confidence and come into the game on the back of a 1-0 win over rivals Mamelodi Sundowns, a victory that helped them move well into contention for the league title.
However, Ertugral is hearing none of it and just wants his team to deliver come Sunday.
He said: “I don’t want to talk about our chances of winning the League, but a team of Kaizer Chiefs status has to fight for everything on offer.
“We will take one game at a time starting with Thanda this week.”