Mahlasela: Royal AM can open ‘winning doors’ against Pirates

• Published date: 26 April 2024
• Author: Smiso Msomi smiso.msomi@inl.co.za
• Publication title: Daily News

Thwihli Thwahla will host the Sea Robbers for the first time at the Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday (3pm kick-off), with ambitions to mark the occasion with a crucial win against their opponents

The Buccaneers are coming off two high-profile victories over AmaZulu in the Nedbank Cup as well as the league, maintaining their dominance over that fixture, a trend they’ll look to continue against an inconsistent Royal AM outfit.

The two teams have met six times in all competitions since Durban businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize took over the club in 2021, with three wins going the way of Pirates, while the other three matches ended in draws.

Previous battles between the two teams have never disappointed in the way of goalmouth action, with a whopping 11 goals recorded over the last three games alone.

The first-round meeting of these two attacking forces in the DStv Premiership saw special performances from the likes of Zakhele Lepasa on the side of Pirates, while 23-year-old Hopewell Cele announced himself to the nation in the colours of Royal AM.

Thwihli Thwahla vice-captain and midfielder Kabelo Mahlasela shared his thoughts ahead of their next encounter at home.

The 33-year-old former Kaizer Chiefs man said their record against Pirates is a point of contention for them, and they have placed huge emphasis on rectifying that.

“If you were to check our head-to-head with Orlando Pirates, we’ve played six and they’ve won three and drew three...