John Maduka admits that Royal AM will face a difficult season in the Betway Premiership due to an ongoing FIFA transfer ban.
Maduka’s side have been unable to make any off-season signings as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.
The team ended last term in 13th place, just three points off the relegation/promotion play-off places.
In a bid to ensure they are as competitive as possible, Maduka has promoted a number of up-and-coming young stars and hopes the club has enough quality to retain their top-flight status.
He said in the Sowetan: “We know we didn’t do well last season, so it’s important to go all out. Yes, we have our own challenges but we cannot sit down here and cry’.
“Instead, we have to move forward at the same time and we hope that by having them [the new young players] here, they will come with a different energy to help the team achieve its goals.
“Every coach wants to try and reinforce the team here and there. We want to have a striker that can score goals, a midfielder who can be influential and a defender that can be able to help the upcoming young ones.
“The young ones have the opportunity but we need patience. They need time and we must try not to put pressure on them or rely on them a lot.”
Thwihli Thwahla kick off their season against Cape Town City at Harry Gwala Stadium on Saturday.