AmaZulu FC will be targeting a win in the DStv Premiership when they square off with Mamelodi Sundowns at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday.
Kick-off is at 3:00 pm CAT.
Usuthu were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Chippa United in their previous league game which was played in Durban last weekend with Veluyeke Zulu netting for the hosts.
The KwaZulu-Natal giants are currently placed fifth on the league standings, but a win over Sundowns could elevate Usuthu to second place if other results go their way.
Coach Brandon Truter’s side will be boosted by the availability of Frank Mhango who missed the game against Chippa due to a suspension, but Augustine Chidi Kwem is suspended.
Meanwhile, Sundowns have regained their form having made it two wins in a row in the league when they edged out Lamontville Golden Arrows 2-1 at home last weekend.
The win elevated Masandawana to the top of the league standings – two points clear of second-placed Orlando Pirates and they will be looking to stretch their lead this weekend.
The defending champions, who are under the guidance of co-coaches Rhulani Mokwena and Manqoba Mngqithi, will be without the suspended Aubrey Modiba.
Last season, Sundowns claimed a 1-0 win over AmaZulu in a first-round league game in Pretoria, but Usuthu got their revenge at home – winning 1-0 in the second-round clash.
Head-to-Head
LAST 10 LEAGUE RESULTS
Season Result Scorers
2017/18 Sundowns 1-2 AmaZulu Sekotlong; Nomvethe, Khenyeza
2017/18 AmaZulu 1-3 Sundowns M. Cele; Nascimento (pen), Vilakazi 2
2018/19 AmaZulu 3-3 Sundowns Ncube, Ncobeni, Ntuli; Mahlambi, Silva, Vilakazi
2018/19 Sundowns 0-2 AmaZulu Langerman (og), Karuru
2019/20 Sundowns 1-0 AmaZulu Meza
2019/20 AmaZulu 0-3 Sundowns Vilakazi, Zwane 2 (1 pen)
2020/21 Sundowns 4-3 AmaZulu Zwane 3, Shalulile; Majoro, Memela, Khumalo
2020/21AmaZulu 0-0 Sundowns
2021/22 Sundowns 1-0 AmaZulu Zwane (pen)
2021/22 AmaZulu 1-0 Sundowns Mulenga
LEAGUE RECORD (since 1985)
Home
PWDLGFGA
AmaZulu 32 3 8 21 17 53
Sundowns 31 19 6 6 64 29
Away
PWDLGFGA
AmaZulu 31 6 6 19 29 64
Sundowns 32 21 8 3 53 17
Total
P WDLGFGA
AmaZulu 63 9 14 40 46 117
Sundowns 63 40 14 9 117 46