Malesela: We have to push ourselves


Dan Malesela says it will be difficult for Royal AM to quickly rediscover its best form.

Last season’s third-place side started the new season well with a massive 1-0 win over Kaizer Chiefs before seeing off Chippa United 3-1.

But the club suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Orlando Pirates ahead of a 2-2 draw with Marumo Gallants last time out.

Next up for Malesela’s side is a league encounter with Maritzburg United at Chatsworth Stadium on Wednesday.

Speaking ahead of the tie, the co-coach explained in the Sowetan: “It’s a big concern. It’s pressure after pressure. We have pressure to beat Maritzburg so that we can get somewhere. We can’t be going on like this because other teams are playing and winning.

“At least there were a lot of draws on Saturday and that gives us a favour but we have to do ourselves a favour and say ‘hey, get to nine points’. We have to push ourselves.”

Malesela added: “We haven’t really gotten to that point where we can say ‘hey, here is our starting XI and they can be stable to carry us through this pressure of August’. We will get it in the coming weeks, I hope.”