Usuthu, Richards Bay to battle for KZN supremacy

Skills training during the DStv Premiership 2023/24 media day for AmaZulu at Kings Park outer fields in Durban on 16 August 2023 © Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix

AmaZulu FC will take on their KwaZulu-Natal rivals Richards Bay in a DStv Premiership match at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 5:30 pm CAT.

Usuthu drew 0-0 with SuperSport United at home on August 9 and they are currently placed 12th on the DStv Premiership standings with two points from two matches.

AmaZulu head coach Pablo Franco Martin knows what to expect from the Natal Rich Boys and he is targeting nothing but a win over their provincial rivals.

“We know Richards Bay very well. We faced them twice during pre-season. We are more than capable of beating them,” Franco Martin said.

“So even though they didn’t start well, it will be a tough game. It is an important one and we will be playing at home.

“We need a win so that we make sure that we believe more in what we are doing. It is the objective of this game.”

Meanwhile, Richards Bay lost 2-1 to Golden Arrows at home on August 8 and they placed 15th on the DStv Premiership standings without a single point from two games.

Despite his side being winless this season, Richards Bay head coach Kaitano Tembo remains hopeful that the Natal Rich Boys will soon start collecting points.

“We have to find the right combinations, we need to give other players an opportunity to play,” Tembo said.

“But at the same time try to build a certain combination so that we can function properly as a team. We are on the right track.

“But at the same time, we need to start picking up points.”

AmaZulu star Thembela Sikhakhane is suspended having been sent off during the team’s encounter against SuperSport.

However, Richards Bay have no suspension concerns coming into this KwaZulu-Natal Derby encounter.