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Matchday 23 - Preview

Santos - Thanda Royal Zulu

CAPE TOWN, March 03 (Absa Premier League) – Thanda Royal Zulu coach Roger Palmgren is breathing much easier ahead of Wednesday’s Absa Premier League match against Santos in Cape Town.
The Amabhubesi claimed a priceless 1-0 victory over Bay United on Sunday to help ease their relegation fears, but they still sit in 13th place on the standings.
However, the big thing for our boss is that the team have now opened a four point lead between the bottom three teams – Maritzburg United, Bloemfontein Celtic and Bay.
They have also played the same number of games in 22 as two of their rivals have, while Umlilo have played two more.
Santos are in 10th place, but that has not stopped Palmgren from believing that his side that claim a win.
“It’s going to be tough as they have just come off a loss,” said the coach of Santos’ loss to Mamelodi Sundowns in their last outing. “But still we once beat them in their backyard and I am confident that we can come back with maximum points.”
Reflecting on the victory over bay, he said: “We created some opportunities which, had we put them away, could have seen us wrap the game in the first half.
“Bay threatened us a bit towards the end of the game but we held firm with Musa Nyatama and James Madidilani playing above themselves.
“I think Musa is more at home at the back rather than in midfield. I was impressed by their combination and understanding at the back.”
And Palmgren was looking forward to welcoming back suspended defender Tonic Chabalala against the Peoples Team.
He added: “With Tonic Chabalala also returning from suspension, we will get tougher to penetrate at the back.”
Santos meanwhile will be without the services of Wayne Arendse, but the return of Musa Otieno and Graham King is set to hand coach David Bright a welcome boost.
He said: “Our game against Thanda Royal Zulu will be at home, which we all know is much better for us than away. We are all aware that this game will be difficult since Thanda will be fighting for a better position in an attempt to avoid the relegation zone.
“To make the match even tougher, we will also try to improve our log position. Santos will not take Thanda lightly as every team in the PSL is fighting for points.
“We just have to stay focused and concentrated in our game. If we look at our team’s two previous matches against (Moroka) Swallows and Sundowns, they are ready to give us positive results on Wednesday.”