AmaZulu FC finished second in the 2022 KwaZulu-Natal Premier’s Cup after being narrowly defeated by Royal AM in the final on Sunday.
Usuthu had overcome Lamontville Golden Arrows in the semi-finals of the pre-season one-day tournament at the Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg.
The KwaZulu-Natal giants claimed a 5-4 victory over Abafana Bes’thende on penalties following a 0-0 draw in an entertaining encounter.
Brandon Truter’s side then took on Royal AM who had claimed a 4-2 win over Motsepe Foundation Championship side Uthongathi FC after a 2-2 draw in the other semi-final clash.
Samuel Manganyi opened the scoring just before half-time when he beat goalkeeper Jean-Noel Amonome and Thwihli Thwahla were leading 1-0 at half-time.
However, Usuthu fought back after the restart and they hit the back of the net through Augustine Chidi Kwem to make it 1-1 with 21 minutes left on the clock.
However, Ruzaigh Gamildien snatched a late winning goal for Royal AM who emerged as 2-1 winners – clinching the KZN Premier’s Cup for the first time.
AmaZulu XI vs Arrows: Mothwa, Mukumela, Hanamub, Gumede, Khumalo, Malepe, Maluleka, Magaqa, Bwalya, Maduna, Majoro.
Substitutes: Amonome, Mphahlele, Kunene, Sikhakhane, Buchanan, Butholezwe, Zuma, Mhango, Ntuli.
AmaZulu XI vs Royal AM: Amonome, Sikhakhane, Mphahlele, Zulu, Kunene, Ceesay, Ncube, Buchanan, Mhango, Zuma, Ntuli.
Substitutes: Mothwa, Mahashe, Mgwazela, Hanamub, Malepe, Maluleka, Ndlovu, Kwem.
