AmaZulu FC coach Brandon Truter was happy with an away point earned at a high-flying Cape Town City side on Saturday.
Usuthu drew 0-0 with the Citizens in their penultimate match of the current DStv Premiership season which was played at DHL Stadium in the Mother City.
Truter explained why he was pleased to walk away with a point following an encounter in which AmaZulu goalkeeper Veli Mothwa and his City counterpart Hugo Marques make crucial saves.
“It was a tough game, coming to Cape Town to play Cape Town City, who are flying at the moment. They are second on the log and chasing CAF Champions League football,” Truter said.
“We had to respect that as well. So, it was always going to be difficult as they are a very good team. We knew it was not going to be easy. We were on the back foot in the first 15 to 20 minutes. They came at us.
“But we got into the game and [Makhehlene] Makhaula had a good chance with that one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper in the first half. So, it was a very good chance to take the lead. It was then toe to toe until half-time.”
“Both teams were trying to get a foothold in the game. Coming out in this second half we started well, we pressed much better. We pressed a bit up high. Even when they changed formations, we managed to create chances,” Truter continued.
AmaZulu have the second-best defensive record in the league having conceded 20 goals from 29 matches and only champions Mamelodi Sundowns boast of a better record (18 goals conceded) than Usuthu.
“From the chances, we created one or two were clear cut ones. Once again our defensive structure stood the test with City playing long balls into the penalty area, and we came out tops in that regard,” he added.
“It is a good building block for me going forward, in terms of six matches and no goals conceded yet. What it says to me is that defenders win you the league. At this point, AmaZulu are just behind Mamelodi Sundowns in terms of goals conceded
“So, it is a good base to build on, but we managed to create opportunities, in the end, it was really good and if we had taken them it would have been a different story. I am happy to collect a point from Cape Town City away from home.”
Usuthu will now wrap up their league campaign with a clash against Lamontville Golden Arrows in the KwaZulu-Natal Derby encounter at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday. Kick-off is at 15h00 CAT.
