AmaZulu FC will lock horns with Orlando Pirates at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday in what is their final DStv Premiership match of the season.
Kick-off is at 3:00 pm.
Usuthu were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Lamontville Golden Arrows away on May 13 and therefore, the KwaZulu-Natal giants are winless in their last two matches.
The Durban side is placed 12th on the DStv Premiership standings – two points behind 10th-placed TS Galaxy and four points clear of the relegation zone.
“We are going to this game with the aim of ending the season with a win and continuing to build for next season,” AmaZulu interim coach Ayanda Dlamini said.
“Pirates have their goals, SuperSport [United] too. We are motivated to win the game and entertain our fans We will gain something from this game. If we don’t win we will lose points. We will be as determined as we have been, nothing will change.
“I have told the players that if anyone thinks that there is nothing left to play for, they should go on vacation early and not bother coming to training sessions. For me, it is very important that we win our last game.”
Meanwhile, Pirates were held to a 1-1 draw by a stubborn Sekhukhune United side at home on May 13 and the Soweto giants are undefeated in their last 11 competitive games.
The Buccaneers are placed second on the DStv Premiership standings, but they are level on points with SuperSport United as the two teams target the runners-up spot.
AmaZulu left-back Riaan Hanamub, who has three assists this term, will be missing due to a one-match suspension.
Pirates, on the other hand, will also miss the services of one of their key centre-backs, Tapelo Xoki who is also suspended.
Head-to-Head
LAST 10 LEAGUE RESULTS
Season Result Scorers
2017/18 AmaZulu 1-2 Pirates Khenyeza; Nyatama, Qalinge
2018/19 AmaZulu 1-1 Pirates Tade; Mulenga
2018/19 Pirates 4-1 AmaZulu Mahachi, Memela, Shonga, Motshwari; Ncobeni
2019/20 AmaZulu 0-0 Pirates
2019/20 Pirates 1-0 AmaZulu Pule
2020/21 AmaZulu 1-1 Pirates Majoro; Mhango (pen)
2020/21 Pirates 1-0 AmaZulu Mhango
2021/22 AmaZulu 1-1 Pirates Moremi; Hotto
2021/22 Pirates 2-1 AmaZulu Peprah 2; Memela
2022/23 Pirates 1-1 AmaZulu Mothwa (og); Maduna (pen)
LEAGUE RECORD (since 1985)
Home
PWDLGFGA
AmaZulu 32 6 17 9 30 35
Pirates 32 19 9 4 55 23
Away
PWDLGFGA
AmaZulu 32 4 9 19 23 55
Pirates 32 9 17 6 35 30
Total
PWDLGFGA
AmaZulu 64 10 26 28 53 90
Pirates 64 28 26 10 90 53
