Royal AM coach John Maduka says they have cried enough about losing to Kaizer Chiefs and now they must focus on the remaining league games to finish in the top eight.
Maduka believes his side beat themselves in the 2-1 extra-time defeat in the Nedbank Cup quarter-final last weekend, saying they gave the game to Chiefs as both goals were from their mistakes.
After Samuel Manganyi met a delicious cross to open the scoring for Royal AM, Thabo Matlaba gave Chiefs an equaliser when he headed in his own net.
The game was locked 1-1 for the rest of the 90 minutes and then went to extra-time. It is when again Royal AM made another mistake, with goalkeeper Xolani Ngcobo charging off his line to block the path of Mdu Shabalala to be penalised for a penalty.
Then Yusuf Maart converted the spot kick to see Chiefs reach the semi-final and Royal AM dumped out in the quarters. It was painful to Maduka, who took Royal AM to the semis last season.
As the pain was evident in Maduka’s face, he said they have to quickly put it aside and fight for staying in the top eight. They are currently occupying the eighth spot with 32 points after 25 matches played, one point ahead of ninth-placed Richards Bay FC.
“It’s on [the fight for top eight],” said Maduka, who helped Royal AM to third place finish last term to qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup.
“Our focus now is on the league with five games to go. We must make sure that we work hard, give our best and try to finish in the best position.”
Shauwn Mkhize’s club will visit TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday (15:00), having beaten the Rockets three times in their last four outings, scoring four goals on two separate occasions.
Meanwhile, iDiski Times has learnt that Happy Jele underwent an ultrasound on Wednesday and the club is now waiting for the report whether he will play again this season.
Jele picked up what appeared to be a muscle pull injury against Chiefs, in what was his second start since he joined the club in the January transfer window.
