Royal AM are set to host Orlando Pirates in a crucial Betway Premiership encounter this week, with both teams eager for a positive outcome.
Thwihli Thwahla, currently considered a relegation contender, will be striving to climb out of the danger zone.
Meanwhile, the Buccaneers, determined to narrow the gap between themselves and league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, will be targeting nothing less than a victory in this crucial match.
FORM GUIDE AND HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD
Royal AM are currently on a five-game winless streak in the league, having suffered four defeats and drawn one match.
This poor run of form has left them languishing in 14th position on the league table with a mere eight points from 11 matches.
Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates return to domestic action brimming with confidence after securing their place in the CAF Champions League quarterfinals.
They overcame both CR Belouizdad and Al Ahly in the final two group stage matches, boosting their morale significantly.
However, their last league outing saw them suffer a 1-0 defeat away to Cape Town City, a result they will be eager to rectify.
Currently occupying second place on the log, three points behind league leaders Bafana Ba Style, the Sea Robbers will be aiming to maintain their title challenge with a victory.
WHAT THEY SAID
Maduka eagerly anticipates the clash against Pirates, describing it as an always captivating fixture.
“We are playing against a team that we have to minimize making mistakes,” said Maduka.
“They wait for you and they punish you. So, it’s a game that we have to be focused throughout the match, concentrate throughout the match, minimize mistakes at crucial areas, play according to our strength, don’t give them time and space on the ball.
“If we can do that, if we can be able to deal with them when we don’t have the ball, I think we will be okay. It is very important that we have to stop them from playing, it’s very important for us to play our game.
“So, it’s going to be a very interesting game and it is always interesting to play against Orlando Pirates, it’s always a good match when we play against them.”
STARTING XI
Royal AM probable XI: Chaine, Mako, Sibisi, Sesane, Van Rooyen, Makhaula, Mbatha, Maswanganyi, Hotto, Makgopa, Mofokeng
Orlando Pirates probable XI: Ngcobo, Shezi, Sbangani, Jiyane, Matlaba, Mahlasela, Mpisane, Magaqa, Maxwele, Sera, Mashiane
