BETHLEHEM, April 7 (Absa Premier League) – Thanda Royal Zulu assistant Johan Eriksson believes his side need to cut out the errors if they want to start winning again soon.
The Amabhubesi face Free State Stars in another crucial Absa Premier League tie at Goble Park on Wednesday and another defeat, coupled with results elsewhere, could see them slip into the relegation zone.
Our boys are currently in 14th place, a points clear of Bloemfontein Celtic, and have four games remaining after the trip to Bethlehem – against Mamelodi Sundowns, Ajax Cape Town, Platinum Stars and Maritzburg United.
They lost their last game at the weekend 3-1 against Moroka Swallows and Eriksson feels that “unfortunate things” led to that defeat.
“We were definitely disappointed after the weekend,” he said. “In terms of keeping the shape of the team that we’ve been working on, that worked out well.
“The first goal was a bit unfortunate with a slight deflection by one of our own players, the second one came from a mistake and then we go forward and manage to score a goal. Again we come so close to going 2-2, but then by pushing forward we open up and concede a third.
“So yes, I am disappointed that we conceded three goals, but in terms of the general shape it was quite good. There were just some individual, unfortunate things that happen in football.”
However, Roger Palmgren’s number two has revealed that heads have not yet dropped, with the boys still in confident mood.
“We have to keep going, we have a match tomorrow and then another week when we play another tough match. So there’s no time for sitting around and worrying. You have to get yourself ready and move on – this is what we’ve been doing.
“We’re playing in Bethlehem on a rough field, which is probably the PSL’s worst field. But we can’t expect beautiful football, so we’re expecting war.”
A boost for Palmgren and Eriksson will be the return from suspension of Musa Nyatama and James Madidilani, while Phil Evans is also back from injury.
Ea Lla Koto meanwhile, are boosted with the return of banned pair James Matola and Tshegofatso Mashego.
Midfielder Matome Madimabe said: “It has been a trend for us in the second round playing against teams that are fresh from defeat, it makes it difficult for us but it’s part of the game.
“We know the pressures that come along with such games and also the pressures that come along with playing relegation candidates.
 “Playing against Thanda is going to be tough but we’re glad to be back home which is going to give us an added advantage.
“We’re not going to under-estimate them but we will definitely not give them any respect. We need maximum points and that’s what we’ll be going all out for on Wednesday.”