Matchday 19 - Preview
Supersport Utd v Thanda Royal Zulu FC
PRETORIA, February 06 (Absa Premier League) – The heat is on for Thanda Royal Zulu ahead of Saturday’s Absa Premier League clash against log leaders Supersport United with coach Roger Palmgren admitting that his side need an immediate improvement to steer clear of relegation.
The Amabhubesi are just four points clear of bottom club Bloemfontein Celtic after a run of four straight defeats and have now failed to win a single game since the start of 2009.
Their latest setback came against Amazulu in midweek, when they slipped to a 3-0 loss in Hammersdale, but Palmgren is not yet ready to throw in the towel ahead of their trip to Pretoria this week.
“I think it’s very difficult at the moment,” he said. “The thing is the kind of actions that we are doing at the moment are turning out wrong – it’s not just working out.
“We are losing too much ball possession. We need to work on our defence, as well as going forward.
“The important thing is the players have the will themselves, they are having meetings and they really, really want to sort the problems among themselves for the club, for the team and for the coach.
“For sure, we are close to turning things around and one win could do it. But there are still 12 games to go, so there are lots of things that can happen. The only way is up for us.”
Assessing our chances against defending champions Supersport, Palmgren conceded that it will be an uphill battle, adding: “They are the toughest team in the league at the moment and also the champions of last year, so it doesn’t come easier.”
Good news for the coach is that there are no injuries or suspensions, with new signing Clifford Mulenga cleared to play having received his work permit.
Matsatsantsa are currently in supreme form with three wins in their last three games sending them a massive six points clear on the top of the league.
New signing Excellent Walaza has warned his team-mates not to write off the Durban club.
He said: “Look, we mustn’t underestimate Thanda. We know what they are capable of. We are very cautious and will be going into this match wanting nothing less than three points.”
“Everything is on track in the team; the momentum keeps us going after winning the past three matches at home. We need to collect as many points as we can.
“We are not worried about the chasing pack, our aim is to defend the league. Focusing on one game at a time helped us getting were we are now.”
However, United coach Gavin Hunt will be without two key players in captain Ricardo Katza and Daine Klate, who again miss out through injuries.