ALL eyes will be on Thanda Royal Zulu when the National First Division resumes next month.
Amabhubesi played 15 first round matches without a single defeat and the second round will see most of the clubs pulling out all the stops as they try to put the brakes on Thanda’s runaway train.
Thanda have however roped in a few signings including Thabiso Nkoana, who will team up with Mhlengi Cele upfront to continue where they left off in the first round.
Other teams have also started negotiations with new players to reinforce their squads and help them climb the log in the remaining games and at least get a play-off spot.
KwaZulu-Natal teams are sitting comfortably at the top of the log at the midway point, with Thanda leading with 35 points while Royal Eagles are on 25 points.
Being at the top at the midway point does not however mean they’ve already won the league as there are still 45 points at stake, but coach Roger Sikhakhane’s charges have been holding on to the number one spot for 10 games and show signs that they can stay in front till the last day.
Real Kings, who are on their first spell in the NFD, will be offloading some of their players who did not get much game time in the first round.
Kings coach Simo Dladla says there’s no pressure on them and that they would be cautious in the second round.
He said: “I’m working with the boys but I’m going to release some of them.
“I want to have a balanced squad of 26 players in the second round. Our main aim is to finish in the top eight at the end of the season.”
- Cape Town All Stars have re-united with Patrick Mabedi.
Mabedi once coached All Stars in the first round but left his post after two weeks with them.
He will be assisted by former Moroka Swallows goalkeeper Greg Etafia.
- Former Baroka FC coach Sello Chokoe, who was assistant coach at Black Leopards, has left the club.
