Thanda Royal Zulu face what assistant coach Johan Eriksson described as their "cup final" when they host bottom club Bay United in a crunch relegation battle at Mpumalanga Stadium on Sunday (kick-off 3.30pm).

TRZ are third last on 22 points ? two ahead of Port Elizabeth based Bay. Eriksson said he and head coach Roger Palmgren had studied Bay's stunning 2-0 win over title chasing Mamelodi Sundowns in East London last weekend.

Said Eriksson: "Bay could have won 4-0 or it could have ended 2-2 as Sundowns loss was not through their lack of trying. But I wonder if Bay can maintain that sort of high standard. I am not being critical, but if they had been playing as well as that every week they would not be sitting on the bottom of the league."

But Eriksson's side come off a terrible 6-2 hiding suffered at the hands of BidVest Wits at Milpark last Wednesday. Said Eriksson: "We have identified the problems. Obviously I cannot reveal them, but the problems will be rectified when we play Bay. We all know this is a very important game for both sides and it is going to be a good scrap."

It does not take a genius to work out that TRZ's defence is a major problem as this is the second time in 2009 they have conceded six goals. The Durban based PSL club were beaten 6-1 by fellow strugglers Bloemfontein Celtic 6-1 at the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium recently.

Said Eriksson: "We bounced back after that defeat by scoring a 3-1 away win over log leaders SuperSport United (at the Super Stadium) and we are determined to bounce back against Bay."

However, Eriksson stressed that this was not a make or break game for TRZ. "Make no mistake, this is a vital game but there are still eight games to play, including this one so we are not going to start panicking."

But Bay play Ajax Cape Town on Wednesday night at the Athlone Stadium and then travel to Durban for Sunday's 'relegation cup final'.

Said Eriksson: "Playing three games in a week is tough on any side and the travelling could affect them. Who knows? We on the other hand are rested and determined to get a big win."

Eriksson is delighted veteran winger Goodman Mazibuko has returned fit after missing the Wits clash due to injury. "Mazibuko is strong, experienced, quick and has a good technique."

The club are happy striker Nkosinathi Nhleko is starting to bang in goals. The former Bafana Bafana striker has scored twice in the last two games. But missing are tough-as-teak defender Tonic Chabalala who is suspended and midfielder Sibusiso Hadebe is injured.