Royal AM will have a chance to reclaim second spot when they host Golden Arrows in the KwaZulu-Natal derby on Sunday afternoon.
Teams: Royal AM v Golden Arrows
Date: 12 December 2021
Venue: Chatsworth Stadium
Thwihli Thwahla will be looking to rediscover their early season form, as they have won only once from their last five matches and would have been encouraged by their performance against Mamelodi Sundowns in midweek, where they narrowly lost a five-goal thriller after scoring two goals from behind.
John Maduka's charges have dropped down to fourth on the log as a result with 22 points but they could leapfrog Orlando Pirates in second place if they win and Sekhukhune United drop points against Kaizer Chiefs.
Their neighbours, Arrows meanwhile, extended their unbeaten run to five matches and clinched back-to-back victories after edging Chippa United 2-1 last weekend.
Abafana Bes'thende were scheduled to play against Kaizer Chiefs in midweek but the game did not go ahead due to Chiefs recording more Covid-19 positive cases.
Lehlohonolo Seema's charges are lying ninth on the log with 18 points, two points behind eighth-placed AmaZulu and a victory will take them into the top eight.
Arrows will be without left-back Sbonelo Cele due to suspension.
Royal AM: 16, Nyame, 20. Mkhize, 18. Mashikinya, 28. Mabuza, 13. Letsoalo, 19. Matjila, 13. Manganyi, 8. Phalane, 12. Mahlasela, 10. Mabena, 50. Masuku
Subs: 1. Mabokgwane, 5. Dlamini, 9. Sera, 24. Lingwati, 30. Monamodi, Pelembe, 45. George, Maxwele, 42. Ncobeni
Arrows: 32. N.Gumede, 15. Zuke, 37. Ndlovu, 35. Mantshiyane, 28. M.Dube, 24. Dlamini, 23. L.Dube, 26. Magubane, 13. Mmodi, 11. Sibiya, 33. M.Gumede
Subs: 16. Mbatha, 27. Nxadi, 7. Mtshali, 34. Fikizolo, 12. Ndwandwe, 30. Cele, 25. Nkosi, 2.Gumbi, 18. Mutizwa
