ROYAL Eagles coach Zipho Dlangalala says the upcoming KwaZulu-Natal derby against Real Kings United is a must-win affair for his team.
Eagles play host in this National First Division encounter at Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg on Saturday (3.30pm).
Things haven’t gone the way Dlangalala would have wanted since taking over from Allan Freese, who was sacked by the club in September due to bad results.
Dlangalala, former Orlando Pirates reserve team coach, has been in charge for six matches and has won twice, drawn twice and lost the other two clashes.
He says his team hasn’t done anything yet this season but he believes Saturday’s match presents them with an opportunity to start in earnest.
Said Dlangalala: “Our confidence is low after our inconsistency in the past few matches. But that is in the past now.
“We need to win this match to boost our confidence. We plan to treat this match like it’s a brand-new start to our campaign.”
Eagles are currently in 12th place in the NFD standings with 10 points from 10 matches. Despite this poor run Dlangalala reckons he can see light at the end of the tunnel.
He said: “There is a lot of work ahead of us. We need to move away from the position we are currently in.
“Having said that, I think my boys are giving a good account of themselves. They are trying and that is encouraging. There is light at the end of this dark tunnel.”
Kings, on the other hand, are currently the KZN team that has collected the most points.
They are in eighth position with 14 points.
They have won three, drawn five and lost two matches so far.
) The other two KZN teams are also in action on Saturday. Struggling Richards Bay FC host Witbank Spurs at Umhlathuze Sports Complex in Richards Bay, while provincial rivals, Uthongathi FC, are also at home to Highlands Park at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu.
Both matches start at 3.30pm.
