AmaZulu FC will lock horns with Kaizer Chiefs in Saturday’s Carling Knockout Last 16 encounter at the 2010 FIFA World Cup final venue FNB Stadium.
Kick-off is at 6:00 pm CAT.
Usuthu tasted success in this cup competition when it was still known as the Coca Cola Cup – defeating Chiefs in an enthralling final in 1992.
The KwaZulu-Natal giants are winless in their last two matches in the DStv Premiership having drawn 0-0 with Polokwane City on September 25 before succumbing to a 2-1 loss to Moroka Swallows on September 29.
“We have faced them in the league, we were defeated, so now it’s an opportunity to take revenge. So, it’s a bit of a motivation. The only thing I’m worried about is the factor of playing away,” AmaZulu head coach Pablo Franco Martin said.
“Because we have to play Chippa away on the 28 [October], we also play Orlando Pirates on [24 October]. There’s travelling, no time for preparation, no time to rest. So, that is what happens to us as coaches because I want to play big games.
“I have to prepare well. We want to show respect for all competitions. We don’t want to give any game away, we need to be competitive and show respect to our fans as well.”
AmaZulu will be without the services of defender-come-midfielder Abubakar Mobara who is suspended having been sent off during the game against Swallows.
Meanwhile, Chiefs view this cup competition as an opportunity to end their eight-year trophy and they are the most decorated team in the history of the League Cup having lifted it a record 13 times.
Amakhosi have blown hot and cold this season having suffered a 1-0 loss to Cape Town City on October 3, and it was their third defeat in their last three games in the DStv Premiership.
“We are looking forward to this important match against AmaZulu. We have seen them play good football since we won 3-0 against them. There has been a lot of improvement on the side of AmaZulu,” Chiefs head coach Molefi Ntseki said.
“When I look back and reflect, they gave us a very tough game. On the day, the plan worked for us, and we managed to get the three goals. We are looking forward to another tough match, but the tactical preparations have gone well going into this match.
“We have not been winning in the Cup games … Now is the time for us to turn the corner. It comes with hard work, proper preparation and the respect you give to your opponents. But at the same time, there is only one team that has to win.”
Head-to-Head (since 1985)
PREVIOUS CUP MEETINGS
Season Cup Result Scorers
1987 Mainstay Cup, final Chiefs 1-0 AmaZulu Maponyane
1989 JPS, 1st round Chiefs 4-0 AmaZulu Thindwa, McGregor 2, Khuse
1992 Coca-Cola Cup, final Chiefs 1-3 AmaZulu Phadime; Magagula, Dearnley, Mwale
1994 BP Top 8, semifinal AmaZulu 1-2 Chiefs Magagula; Nyirenda, Amukola
2010/11 Telkom KO, last 16 AmaZulu 0-2 Chiefs Nale, Letsholonyane
2017/18 Telkom KO, last 16 Chiefs 3-0 AmaZulu Maluleka, Ekstein, Tshabalala
2022/23 MTN8 semi, 1st leg Chiefs 1-1 AmaZulu Dolly; Mhango
2022/23 MTN8 semi, 2nd leg AmaZulu 0-0 Chiefs
CUP RECORD
P W D L GF GA
Chiefs 8 5 2 1 14 5
AmaZulu 8 1 2 5 5 14
