AmaZulu FC will be looking to return to winning ways in the Betway Premiership when they host their local rivals, Durban City, at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
Kick-off is at 3:30 pm CAT.
Usuthu were edged out 3-2 by Magesi FC in their last competitive match, which was a Carling Knockout Round of 16 clash on October 5, with Athini Maqokolo and Mlondi Mbanjwa netting for the KZN giants.
Prior to that, AmaZulu drew 1-1 with Kaizer Chiefs in their last Betway Premiership match on October 1, and they are currently placed ninth in the league standings with 12 points from eight matches
A victory over City would see Usuthu climb into the top eight and head coach Arthur Zwane has urged his troops to ‘up their game’ as they focus on the league.
“Yes, it’s a young squad but I believe we could have done better — this game was there for the taking. I don’t want to hear we did well (after losing),” Zwane said.
“We fancied our chances in this cup — if you look at the history of it, Stellenbosch won it two years ago and then Magesi last year. Now we’re left with the Nedbank Cup and the league, and we have to up our game.”
Meanwhile, Durban emerged as 4-1 winners over Polokwane City in extra-time in their last competitive game, which was a Carling Knockout Round 16 encounter on October 3.
City also overcame Magesi 3-1 in their last Betway Premiership match on September 27, which sees them placed fourth in the league standings with 15 points from nine matches.
Rowen Fernandez, the City goalkeeper coach, is looking forward to the Durban Derby clash against AmaZulu.
“Every day we remind [the players] that it’s a blessing to be doing this job… and a derby is an opportunity we must grab with both hands,” he said. “You want the bragging rights of Durban.”
Both AmaZulu and City have no suspension concerns coming into this eagerly anticipated clash between two Durban-based top-flight clubs.
This will also be the first-ever competitive meeting between AmaZulu and City.
