Gallants, Royal tackle CAF hurdles
ROYAL AM and Marumo Gallants have continental commitments this weekend as they attempt to seal their places in the next round of preliminary qualification in this season’s edition of the CAF Confederation Cup.
Thwihli Thwahla were guilty of missing good scoring opportunities in their first leg encounter, a trait they will have to shake off when they meet Zambian giants Zesco United at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium this afternoon at 3pm.
The Kwazulu-natal club are in their maiden CAF campaign and with huge uncertainty surrounding players and members of the technical team, it is expected to be a tough one.
Their opponents Zesco enjoy plenty experience on the continent having been a part of both CAF competitions on a regular basis and will be favourites to dispatch Royal AM at home.
However, Royal AM proved over the course of last season and during this campaign that they’re more than
capable of an upset win, and with top level quality like Andre De Jong, Ricardo Nascimento and the exciting Mfundo Thikazi, it should not surprise if they reach the next round.
Bahlabane Ba Ntwa, as Gallants are affectionately known, will look to build on their impressive first leg efforts last week. Gallants scored three away goals and conceded one in Madagascar last weekend, boosting their chances of progressing to the next round.
The Limpopo club seemed to have turned a new leaf following the re-signing of coach Dan ‘Dance’ Malesela.
The 57-year-old seems to have a way with the club and his two wins in his first two matches back are testament to his bond with the club.
Gallants are expected to make light work of an obviously lowly Elgeco Plus side today (3pm) at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, however, seeing as this is their maiden campaign on the continental front, everything might not be sealed as yet.