AmaZulu FC head coach Brandon Truter was full of praise for the way his charges battled their way to a win against Cape Town City on Saturday.
Usuthu booked their spot in the two-legged MTN8 semi-finals where they will take on Kaizer Chiefs in October this year following their 2-1 win over City in a quarter-final match after extra-time at the Athlone Stadium.
Augustine Chidi Kwem broke the deadlock to hand AmaZulu the lead, but Khanyisa Mayo scored to ensure that the game ended in a 1-1 draw in regulation time and Lehlohonolo Majoro grabbed Usuthu’s winning goal in extra-time.
“Yeah, it’s always difficult coming to Cape Town, playing Cape Town City here. We knew what was expected, we knew City will move the ball and will dominate position,” Truter said.
“What was clear even from Wednesday, after that result [defeat to Lamontville Golden Arrows], we had to win. I’m just thankful and happy for the boys to change their mentality coming into this game.
“And the will and the want to win tonight was awesome. Yeah, we managed to get the first goal and then conceded at a very crucial moment and then came in half-time.”
The former Richards Bay coach was pleased to see his charges stick to the game plan against the Citizens and Usuthu will now face Chiefs in a DStv Premiership clash on Saturday.
“Then we had to start all over again, but I’m thankful for the boys, they stuck to the plan. They knew exactly what we will need to do to get the result today as well,” he continued.
“Some of them actually ran their socks off tonight and I can’t for more, but for us, it’s 120 minutes, it’s sore muscles, some injuries, we have to get back to Durban, recover,
“Look at what we have available for our next game and luckily we have some time until we get to our next game.”
Chiefs will host AmaZulu at the 2010 FIFA World Cup final venue, FNB Stadium.
