AS the teams take a rest from National First Division action for the international break this weekend, Thanda Royal Zulu will need to gather all their resources in preparation for an away derby fixture against neighbours AmaZulu on 9 April.
The sides drew 0-0 when they met in the first round and there should once again be little choose between them.
The Amabhubesi will reflect on poor outcomes in their last two games.
They stood no chance in their 2-0 away loss to Highlands Park as they were literally blown out of the contest by an antagonistic whistle man who saw fit to issue no fewer than five yellow cards to the Thanda team, two of these to central defenders within minutes of the kick-off.
This led to suspensions for last weekend’s line-up against Mbombela United and compounded by injuries, this meant important omissions on the team sheet for head coach Rodger Sikhakhane.
Still too close for comfort to the relegation zone, Thanda should however garner more than enough points in their remaining fixtures to retain their NFD status.
Then it is home to Santos on 17 April after sharing a 2-2 result earlier this season.
An away win against top of the log Baroka FC, who trounced Thanda 4-0 in September, will almost certainly be the shock of the season if this happens on 23 April.
A week later Thanda are on the road again to play Witbank Spurs, who they beat 3-2 in Richards Bay in the first round.
Once over these hurdles, the last sprint during May should be a relatively easy one as they encounter the bottom three sides on the table – Mthatha Bucks, Moroka Swallows and African Warriors.
