Maduka out to please unhappy MaMkhize

Royal AM coach John Maduka remains optimistic about his team’s chances of avoiding the dreaded relegation play-offs, despite a recent setback against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Relegation would definitely mean losing his job as club owner Shauwn MaMkhize is well known for high standards. It is now up to Maduka to please MaMkhize.

With two crucial matches remaining, Maduka believes his depleted squad can secure safety without enduring the grueling round-robin contest.

“We are positive that we are not going to go to the play-offs,” Maduka stated confidently.

He revealed that his players share the sentiment, emphasizing their desire to avoid the demanding play-off scenario.

Royal AM’s survival hopes took a hit with a 2-0 loss to champions Mamelodi Sundowns, but they remain just two points adrift of the play-off spot.

Maduka highlighted the toll the play-offs take on teams, citing Cape Town Spurs’ struggles after navigating the same process last season: “It [participating in the play-offs] takes a lot out of you… We saw with [Cape Town] Spurs when they played the play-offs [before the start of the season] and came to struggle in the Premiership.”

Furthermore, Maduka expressed concerns about player fatigue, fearing that the added strain of play-offs could be detrimental.

“The play-offs are not easy at all,” he stressed.

However, the Royal AM coach finds solace in the fact that their destiny is still within their grasp.

Winning their remaining two fixtures against Chippa United and Swallows would guarantee their top-flight status.

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