Deprecated: str_replace(): Passing null to parameter #3 ($subject) of type array|string is deprecated in /home/zbyiujsu/public_html/wp-content/plugins/jnews-social-share/class.jnews-initial-counter.php on line 40
Deprecated: str_replace(): Passing null to parameter #3 ($subject) of type array|string is deprecated in /home/zbyiujsu/public_html/wp-content/plugins/jnews-social-share/class.jnews-initial-counter.php on line 40
Deprecated: str_replace(): Passing null to parameter #3 ($subject) of type array|string is deprecated in /home/zbyiujsu/public_html/wp-content/plugins/jnews-social-share/class.jnews-initial-counter.php on line 40
Deprecated: str_replace(): Passing null to parameter #3 ($subject) of type array|string is deprecated in /home/zbyiujsu/public_html/wp-content/plugins/jnews-social-share/class.jnews-initial-counter.php on line 40
Royal AM co-coach Dan Malesela welcomed the three points even though he felt they could’ve played better against Sekhekhune United.
Thwihli Thwahla got off to a perfect start when Mfundo Thikazi made it one-nil with nine minutes played.In the second half just before the hour mark, Thikazi completed his brace to make it two-nil. It looked signed, sealed, and delivered but Siyabulela Shai pulled one back with a few minutes before the final whistle to make an intense finish, but AM did hold on to their 2-1 lead and saw them collecting maximum points and moved to the top of the table.
Malesela welcomed the points and said it was a tough first half.
“Difficult first half conceded too many corners, too many throw-ins some of them very unnecessary but it was to be and with that said we just scored a goal from nowhere,” Malesela said after the game.
“The second half was much better, yes late in the end you will understand obviously the players will want to defend the lead, probably if it had remained 2-0 then we would’ve probably played a little bit better but we got a bit desperate kick the ball away and all of that. With that said we cannot be selfish and not appreciate the three points, highly appreciated three points, very welcome three points.
“We need to get the points into the weekend because after this then it’s Confederation cup probably we will have a break after that, we need to go to that break having secured all these points.
Malelela praised Cameroonian international Hugo Nyame as he made his return into the starting lineup after missing five games including the MTN8 quarterfinal. The 36-year-old has managed to get two clean sheets in the three games he played.
“Always like that, Patrick always gives his best, just missed him in the few matches but sometimes you have to rotate the goalkeepers to give others a chance but appreciated what the goalkeepers are contributing all the time, particularly Patrick today, So we go on.”
The KwaZulu Natal-based side will now face rivals Richards Bay as they will be aiming to keep their consistency. The Natal Richboyz bounced back this weekend from their two consecutive losses as they beat Stellenbosch FC by 2-1. Malesala mentioned a possible squad rotation as they have CAF Confederation fixtures coming up.
“ Youthful side, we’ve got players at home that are training, maybe we will make changes we will see it will depend if we really have to make,” he added.
“There are players who were sitting on the bench now didn’t play, maybe we give them a chance against Richards Bay. Also try and rotate the players a little bit just to take out the fatigue but it will all depend. Sometimes you want to rest players and they tell you, ‘No, No, I don’t want to rest’ so we give them a chance.
With the transfer window closing in less than 20 days, as it was extended to 22 September, there’s been heavy rumours of Mamelodi Sundowns striker Kermit Erasmus joining the side, while, Happy Jele has been linked with the club as well. But Dan denied all those rumours.
“I don’t know anything about that, I don’t know anything “
In this edition of iDiski Times, we talk to Sibusiso Mabiliso who talks about his time at Kaizer Chiefs and how he feels he didn’t really get the chance to show what he was capable of. We also hear from African football legend Yaya Toure, who discusses the significance of Benni McCarthy’s appointment at Manchester United as well as his ambitions to help grow the game. Get this and a whole lot more in the full edition below: