Mahlasela On Transfer Ban: It is What It Is
Royal AM playmaker Kabelo Mahlasela admits that the ban has made things difficult, but he remains hopeful that the current squad can rise to the challenge.
The KwaZulu-Natal side has struggled in the Betway Premiership, having recorded four consecutive draws, managing to score just once while conceding a solitary goal. However, the experienced midfielder believes his team can turn things around in their rematch with the Citizens.
Royal AM is still serving a transfer ban by FIFA, preventing them from signing new players for the past three season windows, after failing to pay Serbian striker Samir Nurkovic,
“It’s very difficult for us as a club, as players, not to be able to introduce new players who can help us here and there. But what can we do? We have to soldier on, especially with that thin squad that we have. We have a lot of young boys from the DStv Diski Challenge, but gradually they are getting the idea, how we want to play and move forward,” he said.
Mahlasela also reflected on how the lack of reinforcements has affected the team’s overall performance, particularly in key positions where new signings could have made a difference.
“It has affected us so badly because there are positions where you see that we could have improved our squad, we could have signed a player or two. But like I said, it is what it is,” he added.
Royal AM was drawn against Cape Town City in the Carling Knockout Cup round of 16 on Tuesday, which will be the second meeting between the two sides this season after the FIFA break.
John Maduka’s boys will need to rely on their depth and resilience to overcome their challenges. Despite the obstacles, Mahlasela remains optimistic about overcoming City away.
Speaking about the draw, Mahlasela acknowledged the difficulty of facing Eric Tinkler’s side away from home, especially after their 1-1 draw in the league opener. But the former Kaizer Chiefs player is confident Royal AM can improve on that result in their next encounter.
“A draw against Cape Town City, away from home, it’s never an easy fixture. We played them in the first game of the Betway Premiership, we shared the spoils, but I’m thinking that this time around in Cape Town, we will be able to turn the tables,” said Mahlasela.
