Royal AM begin their 2022/23 DStv Premiership season with a big clash against Kaizer Chiefs, and co-coach Khabo Zondo is confident they can repeat what they did last season.
Last season the KwaZulu-Natal outfit became Amakhosi’s worst nightmare as they were dominant in both fixtures. They scored five goals in both legs with a famous 4-1 win in FNB last December which saw the Phefeni Glamour boys losing hope of challenging Mamelodi Sundowns for the title.
That result sent a strong message about the intentions Thwihli Thwahla had on their maiden season in the top flight. Now their opening fixture of the season will see both sides facing each other with new coaches in charge after Chiefs appointed Arthur Zwane as their head coach.
At the same time, AM brought back Khabo Zondo to work with Dan Malesela as co-coaches after the sudden resignation of John Maduka, who is now at Maritzburg United.
After recording their first trophy in KZN Premier’s Cup, Zondo believes Amakhosi will be aiming to revenge after what Royal AM did to them last season, and they will be ready for them as they also want to keep their good record against the visitors.
“When we enter the pitch, we believe in ourselves, we always think we equal in all aspects, it won’t be easy for us and for Kaizer Chiefs as well,” Zondo explained.
“I know they still have that wound from last season, they are bleeding, and they want to have a perfect start under a new coach. As Royal AM, we want to repeat what we did last season.”
This opening fixture has been hyped by the ongoing off-the-field uncertainty of the future of Sinky Mnisi, who has also dragged Chiefs into the matter. The embattled CEO brought up the issue of a deal between Swallows and Royal AM regarding the signings of three players, including Dillan Solomons, who has since joined Amakhosi.
He was addressing the media in Johannesburg regarding allegations that he had been suspended.
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