Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Andile Jali has singled out two dangermen in the Royal AM team ahead of the sides’ first-ever meeting at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday.
Sundowns’ immaculate form at the beginning of the season has dropped off slightly as they have drawn three of their last four DStv Premiership matches.
Royal AM have been the surprise package in the league this season in their maiden campaign in the top-flight since buying Bloemfontein Celtic. The Chatsworth-based outfit are flying high in third position on the standings but still a sizable nine points off leaders Sundowns.
Jali has been ever-present this season for the Brazilians and says the side have been looking forward to the clash with Royal for quite some time and are extra motivated to get the three points considering their recent spate of draws.
“We have been waiting to play this game [against Royal]. This game is more important, especially because we’ve just lost two points against Stellenbosch. So, now we’re motivated. Everyone is willing to fight,” said the 31-year-old.
“We know what Royal are capable of but we’re prepared. They will come to us already motivated because everyone wants to prove they can play well against Sundowns.”
Jali then went on to point out Victor Letsoalo and Kabelo Mahlasela as the two men to keep tabs on. Letsoalo has been in red-hot form as the focal point of the Royal AM attack and is joint-second on the league’s top goalscorers list with six strikes to his name from 11 matches and has also chipped in with two assists.
Meanwhile, the Downs playmaker also had high praise for former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Mahlasela, whom he described as ‘brilliant’ and for Royal’s pace in attack.
“We know that Letsoalo has been scoring. We have to be careful of their speed when they go forward. Mahlasela is also brilliant. We must take care of them,” said Jali, who has won 44 caps for Bafana Bafana.