Preview round-up: Royal AM host SuperSport while CT City face Swallows

Here are four short DStv Premiership previews for upcoming matches on Saturday and Sunday involving - Royal AM, SuperSport, Sekhukhune, Richards Bay, AmaZulu, TS Galaxy, Cape Town City and Swallows FC.

Saturday matches:

Royal AM vs SuperSport United (15h30) at Chatsworth Stadium

The upcoming DStv Premiership clash between Royal AM and SuperSport United promises to be one of the most captivating games in the latest round of league fixtures. The match will take place on Saturday afternoon at the Chatsworth Stadium.

After a tough 4-3 penalty win against Cape Town City in the Nedbank Cup, Royal AM has gained a much-needed confidence boost. They are currently on a two-match winning streak and are sitting in ninth place on the table with 24 points from 19 DStv Premiership games so far.

Reflecting on their recent win, Royal coach John Maduka commended his team's character in facing a highly offensive team, stating, "We knew that they would take the game to us, but I still believe the boys showed character."

On the other hand, SuperSport has been struggling lately, with just one win in their last six games in all competitions. Following their Nedbank loss to Dondol Stars, Gavin Hunt expressed disappointment in his team's missed opportunities, saying, "When you don't score against these teams, you are going to struggle."

Both teams have key players to watch out for. For Royal AM, Thabo Matlaba will be a key figure in guiding his team, while Shamrock Kobedi will play a crucial role in midfield.

For SuperSport United, Zakhele Lepasa's trickery and movement could be a problem for opposition defenders, and Zukile Kewuti's screening of the backline will be vital.

As the clubs go head-to-head, it remains to be seen which team will come out on top. One thing is certain, however, the game promises to be an exciting and closely contested battle.

Sekhukhune United vs Richards Bay FC (17h30) at Peter Mokaba Stadium

Sekhukhune United will take on Richards Bay on Saturday evening in what promises to be an intense DStv Premiership encounter.

Both teams are looking to bounce back after recent setbacks in the league.

Given Mashikinya, speaking ahead of the game, praised the opposition and predicted a high-intensity match. "We expect a high-intensity game. They are persistent and don't give up," he said.

Richards Bay coach Visali Manousakis also acknowledged his team's need for improvement, saying, "We are still making progress, there's lots to learn."

The game is expected to be a battle between Sekhukhune's free-flowing attack and Richards Bay's solid defence, led by Ntsikelelo Nyauza. Sekhukhune's midfield anchor, Siphamandla Mtoto, will also play a key role in the match.

Meanwhile, Sekhukhune's experienced defender, Daniel Cardoso, and industrious left-back, Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya, will be tasked with stopping Richards Bay's attacks.

As the two sides fight for crucial points, fans can expect a high-energy clash with both teams determined to emerge victorious.

AmaZulu FC vs TS Galaxy (20h00) at Moses Mabhida Stadium

AmaZulu FC aim to continue unbeaten run against TS Galaxy in DStv Premiership clash

AmaZulu will be gunning to extend their unbeaten streak to six matches in all competitions when they face TS Galaxy on Saturday. The KwaZulu-Natal club is currently sitting in the sixth position on the DStv Premiership log, four points behind Kaizer Chiefs in fifth place. However, they are three points clear of the relegation zone.

AmaZulu coach Romain Folz understands that Galaxy is a good team and knows what to expect from them. "There is much more consistency in our performance for the past three, four games. We have controlled most of our games, and it's a very positive sign of things coming forward when you start having control in games and that consistency in performance," said Folz.

Galaxy coach Sead Ramovic believes that his side is heading in the right direction. "It's the right direction. If we'll win every game one nil or two nil, we'll be happy. It's a beautiful thing to be still in two competitions; we have every chance to be in the top eight and we have a chance to go to the next round," said Ramovic.

DR Congolese winger Guily Manziba has been impressive for AmaZulu, scoring and providing an assist in his last two matches. Meanwhile, Galaxy will rely on central midfielder Xola Mlambo and winger Sphiwe Mahlangu to put them in a good position to win the game.

As for the match, AmaZulu will have to watch out for Galaxy's form, as the Rockets have gone unbeaten in their last three matches across all competitions. Nevertheless, AmaZulu will have the home advantage and will be looking to maintain their unbeaten run.

Sunday's game:

Cape Town City vs Swallows FC (17h30) at Cape Town Stadium

On Sunday, Cape Town Stadium will play host to a crucial DStv Premiership game between Cape Town City FC and Swallows FC.

Both teams will be looking for a win to turn around their recent fortunes.

The home side, Cape Town City, is currently sitting in 11th position on the league table with 23 points from 19 games, while Swallows sits in 14th position with 21 points, ahead of relegation-threatened Maritzburg United on goal difference and Marumo Gallants FC who are bottom with 18 points.

In their last encounter, Swallows FC suffered a 3-0 defeat in the Nedbank Cup round of 32 against Stellenbosch FC, a result they will be looking to put behind them.

Swallows' new signing, Zimbabwean striker Tawanda Macheke, will be eligible to feature in Sunday's match. Macheke joins Swallows on a two-year-deal after failing to score in 12 appearances for Maritzburg United this season.

Swallows coach Ernst Middendorp is determined to improve his team's performance following their disappointing cup defeat.

"We know it's going to be a tough game. But we need to come back and take our chances," Middendorp said.

"We have to focus on our strengths and make sure that we don't give Cape Town City any chances to score. It's important to keep a clean sheet."

Meanwhile, Cape Town City FC will be looking to bounce back from their recent penalty shoot-out loss against Royal AM in the Nedbank Cup round of 32.

The clash between Cape Town City and Swallows promises to be a fiercely contested battle, with both teams fighting for crucial points in the league standings.