John Maduka still confident about top 8 finish

The Maritzburg based side is currently sitting in 12th position on the DStv Premiership log with 29 points.

Following their 1-1 draw against Golden Arrows on Saturday afternoon, Maduka says they are still confident in finishing among the top eight teams.

"If you see the way the log is, it's possible, it's all up to us, being consistent, taking it one game at a time, showing that we want to win games and if we do so, I think we give ourselves a chance. We may be down there but look at the points, you count four/five points difference with the team that is number 6/number 7. So, it still gives us a chance to finish top eight," Maduka said.

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Thwihli Thwahla attackers missed so many chances to defeat Abafana Besithende, and Maduka was frustrated by their poor finish, saying it cost them three points.

"I think it was Mabuza [Sikhethele] first, the ball is coming on the ground, why do you go with the chest? Use the right foot or the right technique to be able to play the ball, you don't do that if you go down, you cannot recover but if you try to play and make a mistake, you can be able to defend. Unfortunately, Mkhize [Zukile], getting back but facing his own goal, you know bad positioning," Maduka added.

The next task for Royal AM is facing on form Orlando Pirates at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Sunday. Maduka says players do not need any extra motivation ahead of the clash as they know what to do but expect a tough battle.

"One of the difficult ones as well is coming, they want to finish second position, it's our home game those are also some of the games that we enjoy sometimes playing because the players are already motivated, you don't have to motivate them.

“They wanna play against the best, when you play with the ones that are more of your size we become a little bit complacent but if you know you're playing one of the big teams, one of the best teams, you up your game. So, let's hope the Pirates one will be a different story. These are good games, yes difficult games but good games."