NATIONAL First Division rookies Magesi FC and Real Kings will need to up their game in the second round if they want to remain in the NFD.
It has not been a smooth and easy journey for the two teams in their first season in the NFD, as neither were able to secure a top 10 finish after the first round of 15 fixtures.
Limpopo based Magesi go into the Christmas recess at the bottom of the standings with only 11 points accumulated from two victories and five draws. They have been donating points since the beginning of the season, losing eight matches.
And Magesi and Real Kings won’t have it any easier in the new year. The second round of matches, which starts in February next year, is expected to be even tougher as promotion hopefuls turn on the power in chasing log leaders Thanda Royal Zulu’s scalp. Thanda have yet to lose a match. Up-front Magesi and Real Kings have not been sharp enough, as neither team have been able to score 20 goals. Kings are 11th with 18 points, having scored 17 goals, while Magesi have only netted 10 times.
Kings coach Simo Dladla says they won’t approach the second round as blindsided as they were in the first round.
He stated: “Our approach to the second round will be different, we will be more cautious.
“The first round was difficult for us because we did not have an idea how most of these teams play. Now we know better.”
Dladla admitted they missed their striker, Thobani Kunene, who joined Platinum Stars at the beginning of the season.
“Scoring goals has been a concern. We have been struggling to convert the chances we create. We will try to get at least two strikers and a defender to tighten the defence.
“We have seen where we are lacking and we will be a better team in the second round. I’m not entirely happy but we are not a bad side,” said Dladla.
