Royal AM aim to prevent Kaizer Chiefs from winning for the first time against them in KwaZulu-Natal in the DStv Premiership.
John Maduka’s side host Amakhosi at Harry Gwala Stadium on Sunday (15:30).
The DStv Premiership will return from the seven-week break after the Africa Cup of Nations, which was a success for Bafana Bafana, where they claimed the bronze medal last Saturday.
Neither club had players in the national setup, but seeing no Chiefs player part of the Bafana side is an indication perhaps of how they have struggled for almost 10 years now in seeking the podium finish.
That struggle has seen them also struggle to beat Shauwn Mkhize’s club in their past two league visits in KZN since MaMkhize bought the status of Bloemfontein Celtic ahead of the 2021/22 season.
Royal AM did the double over Chiefs in Maduka’s first season in charge which led to the third-place finish to qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup.
“It is always good to play against teams like Kaizer Chiefs because for you to be known or to be recognised, you have to play against the best and beat them,” said Maduka.
“You must do well against the best, that’s why it is always good to play against Kaizer Chiefs.”
Neither team signed off with a win when they played their final game in 2023 in December, with Chiefs having been held by Sekhukhune United on 30 December, while Royal AM was hammered 3-0 by AmaZulu a day before that.
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Of the five wins Royal AM have accumulated this season, three have come at home. It is the same with Chiefs in getting wins away, but none of them have come against a team from KwaZulu-Natal, with coach Cavin Johnson having suffered a loss against Golden Arrows in what was his first match in charge late last year after Molefi Ntseki was sacked in the coastal privince.
“No, definitely not,” said Kabelo Mahlasela, who was once on the books of Chiefs before, when asked if they will be intimidated by the crowds and tactics of Chiefs.
“Because I believe our players are mentally strong, mentally ready for the game. I think the supporters will be on our side, and will play a huge role because I believe under pressure, we work superb
“I’m positive enough that we are ready as a club and we have been working hard every single day, so we are looking forward to the game on Sunday.”
These two sides played to a goalless draw at FNB Stadium in the first leg in September.
