Royal AM back on the winning trail

Royal AM returned to winning ways to boost their top eight chances in the DStv Premiership with a 3-1 victory over Stellenbosch FC on Sunday afternoon.

Stellies featured goalkeeper Lee Langeveldt and Jayden Adams from the loss to Kaizer Chiefs, with Happy Jele given his first start for Royal AM and Mxolisi Macuphu returning in the attack.

The Maroons were ahead with 15 minutes played when Junior Mendieta picked up possession around the area and played a quick one-two to go and fire in the bottom-corner.

However, the lead only lasted three minutes as veteran attacker Elias Pelembe levelled matters when he feed off an assist by Tebogo Potsane and dispatched beyond Langeveldt.

Stellies seemed to have regained the lead on the half-hour mark through a smart finish from Iqraam Rayners, but the striker's effort was disallowed for offside.

Thwihli Thwahla began to take complete control two minutes to halftime and were ahead after another delivery from Potsane picked out Mthokozisi Dube and the full-back made no mistake.

Coach Steve Barker made a substitution before the start of the second half and introduced Nhlanhla Mgaga in the place of former Royal AM striker Andre de Jong.

Royal AM maintained the dominant spell a little from the break and edged to a third from a smart move, but Langeveldt managed to steer the effort away.

The Maroons battled to get a look in and once again turned to the bench to change their course of proceedings as Antonio Van Wyk and Juan Oritz took to the field.

Although, Royal AM secured all the points six minutes to the final whistle when Shaune Mogaila thumped in from a clever angle.

The host controlled the last few minutes to full-time and picked up the maximum points to go back into the top eight.

Confirmed line-ups:

Royal AM: Ngcobo, Dube, Jele, Lingwati, Mogaila, Sikhakhane, Mahlasela, Msomi, Potsane, Pelembe, Macuphu

Stellenbosch: Langeveldt, Makhanya, Basadien, Van Rooyen, Adams, Mendieta, Sibiya, Mthethwa, De Jong, Titus, Rayners

Subs: Bombay, Sobiech, Mgaga, Sibande, Nduli, Jabaar, Ortiz, Van Wyk, Mngomezulu

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