FRESH from their 2-0 drubbing of Jomo Cosmos on Sunday, Thanda Royal Zulu are in for a demanding spell of matches as the NFD campaign nears the mid-season break.
The Amabhubesi were in sparkling form and the goals by Siduduzo Dlamini and Jabulani Ncobeni were among the best we are likely to see this season.
But let’s not forget the defenders, as once again Thanda did not concede a goal – one of the reasons they are six points ahead of closest rivals Royal Eagles.
Remarkably, they have only conceded 9 goals in 12 games, while sticking 27 past goalkeepers throughout the country.
But things are going to get tighter as opposing coaches do their homework on the seemingly unstoppable Thanda machine.
We saw on Sunday how ace striker Mhlengi Cele was inevitably outnumbered by defenders and marked out of the game – although this then freed up other attackers.
This Saturday they travel to Black Leopards (lying 6th), another team that will prove a strong hurdle, before returning to the uMhlathuze Stadium on Sunday, 11 December to face second from bottom Cape Town All Stars.
They end the year on 17 December away to Stellenbosch, who they have also drawn in a Nedbank Cup last 32 match on 7 December.
Thanda head coach Roger Sikhakhane will not be putting too much emphasis on the knockout cup game.
His aim is to keep the NFD momentum going, with PSL promotion firmly in his sights.
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