BLOEMFONTEIN, January 24 (Absa Premier League) – Thanda Royal Zulu assistant Johan Eriksson is not perturbed by their recent form in front of goal ahead of Sunday’s Absa Premier League clash against bottom club Bloemfontein Celtic.
The Amabhubesi have lost both games since the turn of the year and more worryingly slipped to 13th in the league, but they still remain the top scorers, with 24 goals to their credit – only log leaders Supersport United have the same number of goals scored.
However, the man who has scored 10 of those goals, captain Bernard Parker, has left the club this week and Roger Palmgren’s number two remains defiant that the striker can be replaced.
“We’ve had some players on trial, but nobody’s impressed yet,” he said. “But we’re quite confident with what we have. We have (Felix) Obada back, we have Peter Ndlovu back, so quality players and we’re not too worried.
“Yeah, our finishing did let us down against Chiefs. We’ve been hammering at that during training this week quite a lot. The players confidence has lifted up a little bit and so we should hopefully be able to put the ball away now.
“I know that we do score a lot, so that’s why we’re not panicking over the fact that we’ve missed a lot of opportunities. Because in the past we’ve taken all those opportunities, so no need to stress about that. We’ll come right.”
In contrast, Siwelele are the worst goal-scorers in the league having netted just 10 times, while their home record is also woeful with just two wins in seven games at the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium, including three defeats.
Eriksson added: “We are aware of their records and hopefully can capitalise on that. Two wins a row and we’ll back mid-table, so we not too concerned for now.”
Tonic Tshabalala will miss the game through suspension, with the only other absentee for our boys being the injured Bongani Mbele (ankle), while new-boy Phil Evans could feature.
The match is also a significant one for Celtic coach Owen Da Gama, who takes charge for the first time on home soil since replacing Mich D'Avray.
And he expects the passionate home support to carry them through.
“The fans always play a part for Celtic,” he said. “I was happy to see a lot of support for our two away games against (Platinum) Stars and (Mamelodi) Sundowns and I am banking on a big turn out on Sunday to help boost the players even more.
“Thanda are a good hard working side. They will be no pushovers, In fact there are not easy sides in this league, so we are going to have to be on our toes and make use of our home ground advantage and pick up three points.”
Solomon Mathe is suspended for the hosts, while Cyrille Mubiala (hamstring) and new signing Tlou Segolela (groin) are both injured.
However, the other recent arrivals in Gert Schalkwyk and Tshepiso Tshabalala are expected to play.