VIDEO: Thanda lions sharpen their claws
Nedbank Cup game looms for Thanda Royal Zulu
WITH two successful ‘friendly’ wins against top NFD sides during the U20 break, Thanda Royal FC get back to the real business with a Nedbank Cup clash and the resumption of the league looming.
The Amabhubesi beat Royal Eagles 2-1 last Wednesday and followed this up with a 3-2 victory over Golden Arrows on Saturday, getting in some valuable match practice ahead of their Nedbank Cup qualifier against Amazulu at the Princess Magogo Stadium on Tuesday, 15 December.
The first round will see the 16 NFD clubs cut to eight, who will join the 16 PSL sides as well as a further eight SAFA clubs from the lower divisions, in the competition proper.
After Thanda’s heroic display against Orlando Pirates last year, when they lost on penalties after extra time, local fans will be looking for a repeat performance against the big guns once Amazulu are knocked out.
But it is the National First Division matches that rightly deserve priority and Thanda are firmly focussed on their away clash against Black Leopards on 19 December.
‘This game will be war, because of me!’ Thanda coach Major David Bright told the Zululand Observer on Monday, with reference to the animosity that surrounded his recent move from Black Leopards to Thanda.
He left on a sour note, unable to handle the ‘interference’ in playing matters, by the Board.
‘To the contrary, I am enjoying the way the management here treats me and the players, with respect and support.’
Aiming for the top
Bright firmly believes his charges can fight their way back to the top of the log.
‘The gap between us and the leaders is only 12 points and the history of the NFD shows that the second half of the season always shows a turnaround: teams at the top at the halfway mark seldom go on to win.
‘My boys are looking sharp and are enjoying their training, and I am happy with their progress.
‘We needed to understand the balance between attack and defence so that we are able to attack and defend with equal ability.
‘We have also continued to improve fitness levels and have concentrated on not losing the ball when in possession.’
