John Maduka was the missing link at Royal AM - Arthur Zwane

The two clubs will contest the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals, with Thwihli Thwahla unbeaten in six matches since Maduka returned to the hot seat in February.

Zwane claims Maduka has chemistry with the squad. 

"The chemistry that coach John has with his players tells you that he was the missing link. He went to Maritzburg and things did not work out so he came back to the team but when you remember where they come from, it was a combination of two teams, Royal AM and Celtics. That helped coach John settle in quicker because most of the players he had worked with at Celtics," he said.

Royal AM’s head of development Khabo Zondo also shares the same sentiments about Maduka. He says the players have responded to him positively.

"To me it's all about how the players understand his approach. The way he talks to them, even when he demands for something serious to happen, you can see that the players are responding properly. I think that has been a plus for him and the club," Zondo said.

Zondo, who was brought in as a co-coach when Maduka left the club for Maritzburg United, lauded Maduka for the work he’s done with players like Sedwyn George, Thabo Matlaba and Levy Mashiane, who have rediscovered their form.

"We are happy with what John has been able to do with the players because we know that we've got good players in the club.  You've seen the likes of Sedwyn George, who's beginning to show his colours right now. You've seen the likes of Mashiane after a long-term injury that he had, coming back and scoring goals. The likes of Matlaba, I was happy for him because we've always known that he can score goals in a match though playing as a left back because he gets there more often," he added.

The Nedbank Cup quarterfinals will be played during the weekend of 14/15 and 16 April 2022.