Matchday 24 - Preview
Thanda Royal Zulu - Orlando Pirates
DURBAN, March 13 (Absa Premier League) – Johann Eriksson takes his Thanda Royal Zulu side into their Absa Premier League clash against Orlando Pirates on Saturday knowing that victory will not come easy against a side that has impressed dramatically in recent weeks.
The Buccaneers have beaten Mamelodi Sundowns and Supersport United in their last two outings and are now well placed for the season run-in where they remain firmly in contention for a league and Nedbank Cup double.
The Amabhubesi on the other hand were dumped out of the cup despite an encouraging performance against Maritzburg United and the assistant coach is hoping they can turn that good showing into a positive result at the Absa Stadium in Durban on Saturday.
“Pirates were awesome in their last two games, but we aim to try and stop them,” said Eriksson. “On paper and form they are favourites to beat us, but we are not going to lie down and make it easy for them.”
Our boys remain embattled in a relegation broil and currently sit fourth from bottom, five points off the drop-zone occupied by Bay United and Bloemfontein Celtic, while Maritzburg also remain in the mix.
Eriksson added: “We are fighting for survival and a win over Pirates would turn our season on its head and take us away from the relegation zone.
“Beating Pirates would do wonders for our morale. We will be trying our best to cause a major upset and ease our relegation worries.
“We still have seven matches to play and I am not sure what the safety mark is, but all we are working on getting as many points as we can out of the 21 points available, starting on Saturday by hopefully surprising Pirates.”
Ruud Krol’s team come into the game six points behind log leaders Supersport, but if they win their game in hand against Thanda, could move to within three points of the Pretoria outfit with just six games to go.
And defender Lehlohonolo Seema is confident they can deliver the win needed.
He said: “They are flirting with danger somewhere at the bottom of the log, therefore they are fully focused in the league, and will definitely want to spoil the mood in camp.
“So, we have to be very cautions, stay humble and treat them with respect because wounded lions are very dangerous.”
Seema also ruled out complacency after their two recent wins.
He added: “We have already forgotten about lat week’s events and we are sweating it out for what promises to be another cracker of a game.
“We punished them 4-2 in the first round last year, but this will be a very different ball game especially after their Nedbank Cup exit over the weekend.
“Having said that, we are still in high spirits and we are looking forward to maintaining our wining streak. We are on a very serious mission and defeat is no option on Saturday.”