Linda Moreotsene

Linda Moreotsene

Thanda Royal Zulu striker Nkosinathi Nhleko admits the beating his team suffered at the hands of Bloemfontein Celtic was quite a thorough and humiliating one.

But Nhleko claims that he and his teammates have put the trauma behind them - just in time for the "Battle of the Zulus", as the encounter against AmaZulu at Woodburn Stadium on Sunday has been termed.

This bottom-of-the-log match kicks off at 3.30pm.

Nhleko likened the thrashing to what happened when TRZ met Platinum Stars a month ago - except that then he was the tormentor and on the winning side.

Like the rest of the TRZ strikers he has had to step up his game as they all get used to life without captain Bernard Parker.

"We have no choice but to overcome that beating and move on, but it hurt! Personally, I am looking forward to our next game. It is going to be a great and exciting derby," said Nhleko.

Nhleko cautions against loss of concentration when AmaZulu's Dumisani Ngwenya is lurking about.

The likes of Tonic Chabalala and James Madidilani had better heed Nhleko's advice as the last thing coach Roger Palmgren would tolerate is another heavy loss.

AmaZulu lost their past three matches but were unlucky against Mamelodi Sundowns. They also saw their goalkeeper Kakonje Kalililo sent off, and Zwelisha Mzimela or Lawrence Ncala will take over the goalkeeping duties.