Rushwin Dortley of Kaizer Chiefs is called towards the ball, beating Ayabulela Maxwell of Royal AM to the possession on Saturday in their Betway Premiership clash. | BackpagePix
In the midst of the swirling challenges that have plagued Royal AM over the past year, the club has demonstrated resilience and determination on the field, culminating in a thrilling draw against Kaizer Chiefs at Peter Mokaba Stadium.
The drama of the match mirrored the tumultuous off-field issues that have become synonymous with the club, from Fifa transfer bans to upheavals in administration and looming relegation threats. The recent revelations about club owner Shawn 'MaMhize' Mkhize's troubles with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) cast yet another shadow over Thwihi Thwahla's reputation.
90 + 3’| #CHI 2 : 2 #RAM
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) November 30, 2024
Full time score: (Du Preez 5’, Duba 13’) Kaizer Chiefs 2 : 2 Royal AM (Maxwele 51’, Mashiane 90’)#Amakhosi4Life #AlwaysHome #BetwayPrem pic.twitter.com/Q0wlCxzJ1J
Despite the negative publicity and the looming noise of relegation chatter, the Pietermaritzburg-based outfit is unwavering in their belief that they can shape their own destiny.
Critics have been vocal, branding the club as a 'candidate for relegation' due to their sporadic performances and off-field distractions. Yet, under the guidance of coach John Maduka, Royal AM has persisted, proving that they are far from conceding defeat.
Currently, the team occupies tenth position in the league, only two points behind seventh-placed Golden Arrows, defying pre-season predictions which painted a bleak picture for their campaign.
Despite winning just once in their nine matches this season, it is the club's fighting spirit that has kept them in contention. With five draws and three losses racked up this season, they have shown an unwavering refusal to succumb to pressure.
The significance of their latest performance cannot be understated—after trailing 2-0 at half-time to a resurgent Kaizer Chiefs, Royal AM staged a remarkable comeback thanks to a stunning long-range strike from Ayabulela Maxwele and a deft finish by Levy Mashiane in the dying moments of the match.
Coach Maduka, aged 54, expressed overwhelming pride in his players' tenacity and resolve. “The first thing I told them was it was not a difficult game and we were making it difficult for ourselves because we’re not and you can’t play football if you don’t defend well,” he shared post-match.
Cometh the hour, cometh the hero! Ayabulela Maxwele ignites the spark for @RAMFC_sa with a crucial first goal, leading a sensational comeback from 2-0 down to secure a hard fought 2-2 draw against Kaizer Chiefs in the #BetwayPremiership 💪🔥 pic.twitter.com/IpOaKOGa94
— Prosport International (@ProsportInt) December 1, 2024
Recognising the energy expenditure of Chiefs in the first half, he added, “Once we fixed that, we believed that once we get one (we could come back).”
His strategic adjustments bore fruit, as the boys responded emphatically, showcasing the grit and determination that has come to define the team's spirit this season.
As Royal AM continues its journey through a challenging season, each match represents not just an opportunity for points, but a testament to their unwavering character.
With believers like Maduka at the helm, the club stands firm against the odds, proving time and again that their story is still being written, and they are ready to defy narrative expectations.
Next on the club’s agenda is one of the trickiest runs of fixtures the Betway Premiership has to offer. After their away tie against Stellenbosch on the 10th of December, they will then need to face AmaZulu, TS Galaxy, Chippa United in the new year and then Orlando Pirates.