Royal AM coach John Maduka believes his team can still challenge for a top-eight finish in the DStv Premiership despite a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Golden Arrows.

Maduka’s men had to come from behind after an own goal by Zukile Mkhize at Mpumalanga Stadium last weekend. However, Khulekani Shezi’s equalizer secured a vital point, lifting Royal AM to 12th in the table with 29 points from 23 matches.

This result leaves them just three points behind eighth-placed Chippa United, with seven games remaining (including a game in hand over the Chilli Boyz). Importantly, they are also 17 points clear of bottom side Cape Town Spurs, effectively securing their safety from automatic relegation due to a FIFA player signing ban.

“It’s still possible,” declared Maduka when asked about his top-eight aspirations. “Looking at the table, we just need consistency. We need to take it one game at a time and show a winning mentality. If we do that, we can give ourselves a chance. The gap to teams like sixth or seventh is only four or five points, so this point keeps us in the fight.”

Royal AM’s next challenge is a crucial home fixture against Orlando Pirates, who are currently vying for second place. The match will take place at Harry Gwala Stadium on Sunday (15:00).