NATIONAL FIRST DIVISION (NFD) table toppers Thanda Royal Zulu’s head coach, Roger Sikhakhane is aware of mounting pressure that their recent form might cause as the season goes on.
Sikhakhane’s charges have been outstanding since the beginning of the season, and they’re yet to be defeated in the 10 games they’ve played so far.
NFD clubs will be out of action this week, and will be back next weekend after the Fifa international break.
Thanda, who are now serving their eighth season in the NFD, are currently leading the log with 24 points.
Amabhubesi have opened a five points gap between them and second-placed Stellenbosch FC (formerly Vasco Da Gama)‚ who had a single season in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), that culminated in relegation in the 2010/11 season.
This season, it looks like we might see these two former PSL teams reclaiming the glory by bouncing back to the top flight if they continue playing like this.
Sikhakhane told SunSport they’re prepared for anything that might be thrown at them, good or bad.
He told SunSport: “At the moment things are going our way.
“We’re yet to lose a match, which is something we’re all happy about at the club.
“The boys are scoring goals and they’re not conceding many as we’ve conceded only nine.
“It shows the team is balanced.
“We’re fully aware that things might change along the way, but we are prepared.
“We’ll be able to handle it when we get to that point.”
The former Chippa United mentor has breathed a huge sigh of relief as the break came at the right time when they needed it.
Added the coach: “I have a thin squad of 26 players, including three goalkeepers and I’ve been rotating them in the past games.
“The break will benefit us as they’ll get time to recover and be ready for the remaining five games of the first round.”
Next Sunday, Thanda will visit AmaZulu in a KwaZulu-Natal derby at Princess Magogo Stadium (3.30pm).
“We’re looking forward to the next game and we will give it our best as we usually do with all other games.
“They (Amazulu) have not been doing well, but that does not mean we must take them lightly,” concluded the 40-year-old coach.
NEXT WEEKEND FIXTURES
Saturday 19 November:
University of Pretoria vs Magesi FC (Tuks Stadium)
Black LeopardsvMbombela United (Thohoyandou Stadium)
FC Cape TownvStellenbosch FC (NNK Rugby Stadium)
Milano United AFC vs (SantosAthlone Stadium)
Mthatha BucksvRoyal Eagles (Mthatha Stadium)
Sunday 20 November:
Cape Town All Stars vs Witbank Spurs (Athlone Stadium)
Jomo Cosmos vs Real Kings FC (Olen Park Stadium)
AmaZulu vs Thanda Royal Zulu FC (Princess Magogo)
