Maduka’s side edges close to CAF Champions League

Just a day after being crowned Coach of the Month for March, South Africa-based Flames legend John Maduka on Saturday led Royal AM to a 4-1 victory over Galaxy to edge close to CAF Champions League qualification.

Striker Victor Letsoalo scored a brace, his first goal coming in the 25th minute, before he doubled the lead six minutes later in the match played at the Mbombela Stadium and monitored live on SuperSport television channel.

Galaxy pulled one back through  Augustine Kwem in the second half, but veteran Royal AM attacker Ndumiso Mabena added one more before Mfundo Thikazi completed the rout in stoppage time.

The victory has stretched Maduka side’s points to 40 points from 23 games, 11 behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and two adrift of third-placed Kaizer Chiefs whoc have two games in hand.

In a post-match interview, the former Silver Strikers attacker thanked his charges for the team’s impressive performance that has helped Royal AM keep a grip on second positon on the table.

He said: “Thanks to my players, they have been working very hard and my technical team as well as the management, it is a collective effort.”

However, Maduka indicated that he is not targeting CAF Champions League qualification.

He said: “We’ve got a plan and want to finish as high as possible this season. We don’t really want to deviate and think about the Champions League.

“The technical team wanted a top-eight finish. We have also now survived and cannot be relegated this season. Our target for now is not to ensure that we finish second but rather to focus on achieving our season plan.”

Royal AM will again be in action on Wednesday as they host Marumo Gallants at the Chatsworth Stadium.

Besides being named Coach of the Month, Royal AM also produced Player of the Month Mxolisi Macuphu.