Royal Eagles flattering to deceive in NFD

Sibongiseni Gumbi

Royal Eagles are a team who many would have picked as one of the favourites for promotion, but 11 games in they are stuck on the wrong end of the National First Division (NFD) and this has given those who no one would have tipped a chance to make a run for it.

Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila are a team who have seen the gap and vowed to make a charge, with coach Sello Chokoe (right) saying his team are capable of go- ing all the way.

Eagles have found the going tough and if what Tshakuma midfielder Frank Motebejane said is anything to go by, the Pietermaritzburg side will not get any relief in Thohoyandou this afternoon.

The two sides will do battle for the three points and Motebejane told the Saturday Citizen that they have problems of their own and although Limpopo people are known for their kindness, they will not be offering that privilege to their visitors – at least on the field of play.

Tshakuma’s challenge for promotion in their first NFD campaign was hurt by two back-toback defeats but Motebejane is sure they can make amends.

“There is no excuse, but we had a break and I think it affected our rhythm. The coach has been supportive and wants us to forget about those games and focus on upcoming matches,” said the 20-year-old midfielder.

He admitted though that now that Eagles are in trouble, they could be dangerous. “It would have been easier to play them if they were in their usual position among the top teams,” he said. “But now they are at the bottom they will want to fight to get out of there,” he added.

Elsewhere, Black Leopards will have a battle on their hands when they meet Super Eagles in the Free State this afternoon as both sides will be looking to supplement their wins under new coaches. Both had positive starts under the new men last weekend.

Tomorrow afternoon’s match in Vosloorus could easily be the match of the weekend in the NFD as both Jomo Cosmos and Mbombela United have been in great form lately.