The Betway Premiership returns with an intriguing third-round fixture as Royal AM host Richards Bay FC at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Tuesday at 19h30.
Both teams will be eager to secure a win after challenging campaigns last season.
Royal AM narrowly escaped relegation in the 2022/23 season, finishing 13th on the table with 33 points, just three points clear of the drop zone.
They managed only nine wins in 30 matches and suffered 15 defeats.
This season, however, they’ve shown resilience, holding Cape Town City to a 1-1 draw at home and earning a goalless draw away to SuperSport United.
Richards Bay FC also faced relegation troubles last season, ending 15th with only eight wins and 16 losses.
Their survival came through a successful promotion-relegation playoff, topping their group to retain their Premiership status.
Under new coach Brandon Truter, Richards Bay began the season with a promising 1-0 win over TS Galaxy but stumbled with a 1-0 defeat against Chippa United last weekend.
Despite last season’s struggles, Richards Bay coach Truter remains optimistic about the future.
“We’ll be close, if not in the top eight, but there will be no relegation fight this season,” Truter said.
“The boys just have to believe and have more confidence in themselves.”
Royal AM have an advantage in head-to-head clashes, winning both encounters last season.