Royal AM and Marumo Gallants have continental obligations this weekend, as they must win two challenging matches to advance to the next round of preliminary qualification in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Royal AM were guilty of wasting golden opportunities to score against Zambian giants Zesco United in the first leg, a trait that Thwihli Thwahla will have to overcome in the away game on Saturday at 3pm at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, Zambia.
It is anticipated that the KwaZulu-Natal-based club’s inaugural CAF campaign will be a difficult one, given the uncertainty surrounding players and members of the technical staff.
Zesco are the favorites to defeat Royal AM at home, as they have participated in both CAF competitions on a regular basis and have the most experience on the continent.
With talented players such as Andre de Jong, Ricardo Nascimento, and the exciting Mfundo Thikazi, Royal AM’s qualification for the next round should come as no surprise.
Last week’s strong first-leg performance against Elgeco Plus will serve as a benchmark for the Gallants as they attempt to advance in the playoffs. Bahlabane Ba Ntwa scored three crucial away goals and conceded just one in Madagascar, increasing their prospects of advancing to the tournament’s next round.
Following the re-signing of head coach Dan ‘Dance’ Malesela, the Limpopo-based club appeared to have begun anew. The 57-year-old coach appears to have a rapport with the team, as seen by his two victories in his first two matches.
As this is Gallants’ first campaign on the continental stage, nothing is certain just yet.
While missing Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, who joined Orlando Pirates on the final day of the transfer window, Malesela believes that Katlego Oltladisa, Mahlatse Makudubela, and club captain Washington Arubi will provide his team with enough quality and experience to advance.
Saturday at 3 p.m., Peter Mokaba Stadium will be the site of the return leg between Gallants and the Malagasy side.