John Maduka, Coach of Royal AM FC will be looking to engineer a derby win against Golden Arrows. BackpagePix
The much-anticipated return of the Betway Premiership showcases a thrilling local rivalry as Royal AM takes on Golden Arrows in a clash that promises to be packed with intensity and passion.
The match is scheduled for Tuesday evening at the Harry Gwala Stadium, kicking off at 7.30pm. With both teams eager to turn their fortunes around in the 2024/2025 season, the stakes could not be higher.
Both AM and Arrows have had rocky starts to their current campaign, positioning themselves just outside the top eight of the league table.
Their proximity in standings has amplified the significance of this derby. A mere six points separate ninth-placed Royal AM from third-placed Polokwane City, which underscores the open nature of the league this season.
A victory for either side could dramatically shift their fortunes and aspirations as they look to capitalise on a tightly contested table.
Royal AM coach has expressed enthusiasm ahead of the match, acknowledging the challenge posed by their KZN rivals.
“We are looking forward to the game; we know that it’s a derby and those are always very difficult,” he stated. His confidence radiates from the return of injured players to the squad, bolstering the team's morale.
“The boys are doing very well, and it’s good to see that some of the boys that were injured have returned to training. It’s good to have almost the whole team in training,” he added.
Thwihli Thwahla has won just one game in all competitions this season and Arrows provide a great prospect for a potential confidence booster.
A big worry for John Maduka’s side has been their form on the home soil where they have scored just three goals in four home outings.
The experienced mentor expressed a great need to build a solid foundation from their matches in Pietermaritzburg.
“As the home team, Royal AM is keenly aware of the need to perform spectacularly,” he said.
“We have to perform to the best of our ability because it is very important to collect points early in the first round. In the second round, it becomes very difficult,” the coach insisted.
With such a diverse league table setting the stage for potential upsets, the players know that every match can be a pivotal moment in their campaign.
In preparation for the derby, both teams will be looking to harness their unique strengths on the field.
In the other two encounters on the day, Chippa United will look to get back to winning ways when they face SuperSport United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
The Chill Boys have not lost to Matsatsantsa in four years and have won the last two without conceding a goal, a record they'll look to retain in their own patch.
Sekhukhune United and TS Galaxy complete the triple header return of domestic football as they meet at the Peter Mokaba Stadium at 7:30 pm.
Having recently parted ways with their coach Sead Ramovic, The Rockets will be hoping their romanticism of a “new coach bounce” propels them to fifth placed Babina Noko.