sportskeeda
AmaZulu will strive for their second league victory against Mamelodi Sundowns as they clash in the Betway Premiership at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.
During the PSL era, AmaZulu has encountered Sundowns at home 19 times, managing to achieve only two wins—once in league action and once in a cup competition.
Their most recent league triumph over Sundowns took place in the 2021/22 season under the guidance of coach Benni McCarthy, with Augustine Mulenga scoring the crucial goal at Kings Park Stadium on December 20, 2021.
Prior to this, AmaZulu had not celebrated a home win against Sundowns for an astonishing 28 years, with their last victory dating back to 1993, before the advent of full democracy in South Africa, when Tsepo Ntsoane netted the solitary goal for a 1-0 win.
Their other win was during the Nedbank Cup semifinal at Kings Park Stadium in the 2009/10 season under Neil Tovey, where they triumphed on penalties, although they later fell to Roger de Sa’s Bidvest Wits in the Ke Yona Cup final at FNB Stadium.
Interestingly, AmaZulu has achieved more success against Miguel Cardoso’s side away from home, clinching four victories in Tshwane.
AmaZulu’s overall home record against The Brazilians has been dismal, with only six wins out of 38 encounters, alongside eight draws and 24 losses.
Nevertheless, this Tuesday could represent a significant opportunity for Usuthu to make an impactful statement under the stewardship of co-coaches Vusi Vilakazi and Arthur Zwane.
Sundowns have recently parted ways with coach Manqoba Mngqithi and have appointed Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso, who has won both of his first matches without conceding a goal.
Despite these victories, co-coach Vilakazi believes Sundowns have not yet reached their peak, as both matches were won by narrow margins.
“From my observations, the new coach is still in the process of implementing his style, which has not yet fully materialized,” stated Vilakazi.
“They secured both wins with 1-0 scores, which isn’t typical of the Sundowns we know, suggesting they haven’t reached their usual standard.
“We consider ourselves fortunate to take them on during this transitional phase under their new coach.”
“We will certainly give our utmost to emerge victorious in the end.
“We won’t underestimate Sundowns; they have quality and work hard to achieve results, but we are determined to compete vigorously.”
Usuthu has been in fine form lately, securing three victories in their last five games, joining Orlando Pirates and Sundowns who have both recorded four wins.
There has been a notable improvement in the attacking displays of Etiosa Ighodaro, Ethan Brooks, Rowan Human, and Hendrik Ekstein. However, Ighodaro, who is on loan from Sundowns, may be ineligible to play due to a clause in his loan agreement.
Coach Vilakazi expressed satisfaction with the growing chemistry among these attackers, which has positively impacted Usuthu.
“We are pleased with our offensive prowess,” said Vilakazi.
“The players have been performing exceptionally well. When we launch attacks, we often create moments of anxiety for the opposition, which is crucial.”
“That said, we still need to hone our finishing skills to be more clinical in front of goal. In our last match against Royal AM, we should have netted six goals but squandered several chances. While we won, we could have added to our tally.”
“There is still room for improvement in that regard, as well as in defense, where we must ensure we don’t concede avoidable goals.”
